Physics A-Level
Amplitude variation
What Amplitude variation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Amplitude variation
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Amplitude variation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A progressive wave has the same amplitude at all points, whereas a stationary wave has zero amplitude at nodes and maximum at antinodes.
Topics that use Amplitude variation
- Stationary waves (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Antinode
- Boundary conditions and allowed patterns
- Displacement–position envelope
- Displacement–time oscillation
- End correction in real tubes
- Energy storage rather than transfer
- Fixed versus moving patterns
- Fundamental frequency and harmonics
Using Amplitude variation in the exam
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