Physics A-Level
Stationary waves
What Stationary waves means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Stationary waves
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Stationary waves in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Formed by the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency travelling in opposite directions.
Topics that use Stationary waves
- Stationary waves (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Amplitude variation
- 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
Using Stationary waves in the exam
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