OCR · A-Level · Physics
Course version: H556 · Version from Sept 2015
(c) similarities and the differences between stationary and progressive…
Full specification wording
Stationary waves: (c) similarities and the differences between stationary and progressive waves
Stationary and progressive waves share several features: both arise from oscillations, both have frequency, wavelength and amplitude, and both can be described by wave equations.
Checked against the OCR H556 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 8
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Stationary and progressive waves share several features: both arise from oscillations, both have frequency, wavelength and amplitude, and both can be described by wave equations. They differ in key ways. A progressive wave transfers energy through the medium and its waveform moves; a stationary wave stores energy and its pattern stays in fixed positions. In a progressive wave all points oscillate with the same amplitude and neighbouring points have a continuously changing phase difference; in a stationary wave amplitude varies from zero at nodes to maximum at antinodes, and points between adjacent nodes oscillate in phase.
For example: A travelling sound wave from a loudspeaker is progressive, whereas the pattern formed by reflection in a tube is stationary.
What earns the marks
- Similarity: both involve oscillations and can be described using frequency, wavelength and amplitude.
- Difference: a progressive wave transfers energy through the medium, while a stationary wave stores energy without net transfer.
- Difference: a progressive wave has the same amplitude at all points, whereas a stationary wave has zero amplitude at nodes and maximum at antinodes.
- Difference: a progressive wave's waveform moves through space, while a stationary wave's nodes and antinodes remain in fixed positions.
- Difference: phase relationships vary continuously along a progressive wave, but points between adjacent nodes of a stationary wave oscillate in phase.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming stationary waves transfer energy like progressive waves.
Put it right by stating that stationary waves store energy and show no net energy transfer.
Saying all points on a stationary wave have equal amplitude.
Put it right by describing amplitude variation from zero at nodes to maximum at antinodes.
Treating the stationary wave pattern as moving.
Put it right by emphasising that nodes and antinodes occupy fixed positions.
Exam tips
- Structure comparison answers as similarities first, then differences, using clear paired statements.
- Use precise terms such as node, antinode, in phase, antiphase and energy transfer.
- Support each difference with a brief example, such as a travelling sound wave versus a reflected stationary wave.
Try the lesson
The start of the Stationary waves: (c) similarities and the differences between stationary and progressive waves lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Listen
Stationary and progressive waves share several features: both arise from oscillations, both have frequency, wavelength and amplitude, and both can be described by wave equations. They differ in key ways. A progressive wave transfers energy through the medium and its waveform moves; a stationary wave stores energy and its pattern stays in fixed positions. In a progressive wave all points oscillate with the same amplitude and neighbouring points have a continuously changing phase difference; in a stationary wave amplitude varies from zero at nodes to maximum at antinodes, and points between adjacent nodes oscillate in phase. For example, a travelling sound wave from a loudspeaker is progressive, whereas the pattern formed by reflection in a tube is stationary. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Similarity: both involve oscillations and can be described using frequency, wavelength and amplitude. Difference: a progressive wave transfers energy through the medium, while a stationary wave stores energy without net transfer. Difference: a progressive wave has the same amplitude at all points, whereas a stationary wave has zero amplitude at nodes and maximum at antinodes. Difference: a progressive wave's waveform moves through space, while a stationary wave's nodes and antinodes remain in fixed positions. A common slip: Claiming stationary waves transfer energy like progressive waves. Instead, stating that stationary waves store energy and show no net energy transfer. Exam tip: Structure comparison answers as similarities first, then differences, using clear paired statements.
Key words
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Energy transfer versus energy storage
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Amplitude variation
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Fixed versus moving patterns
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See every definition
- Energy transfer versus energy storage
- A progressive wave transfers energy through the medium, while a stationary wave stores energy without net transfer.
- Amplitude variation
- A progressive wave has the same amplitude at all points, whereas a stationary wave has zero amplitude at nodes and maximum at antinodes.
- Fixed versus moving patterns
- A progressive wave's waveform moves through space, while a stationary wave's nodes and antinodes remain in fixed positions.
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