Question

In a stationary wave,
A. the strain is maximum at antinodes
B. strain is maximum at nodes
C. strain is minimum at nodes
D. amplitude is zero at all points

Answer 1

Hint: By definition, the node is defined as the point along the standing wave where the amplitude is minimum. Therefore the strain will be maximum at the nodes in such a kind of wave. The antinodes are the points on a standing wave which is undergoing the maximum displacement during each oscillation cycle of the standing wave. The antinodes are the points that are the opposite of that of the nodes. That is why they are known as antinodes. Every standing wave pattern will be included in an alternating pattern of the nodes and the antinodes.

Complete step-by-step answer:
 A standing wave which is also called a stationary wave is defined as a wave which vibrates with respect to time and their peak amplitude points do not move in space. The maximum amplitude of the oscillations of the wave at any specific point in space is fixed with time. Therefore the oscillations at different points throughout the wave are vibrating in phase. The points at which the value of the amplitude is minimum are known as nodes, and the points at which the value of the amplitude is maximum are known as antinodes. As the amplitude of the wave is minimum at the nodes of the wave, the strain will be the maximum at the nodes.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: As the medium is moving in the opposite direction to the wave, this phenomenon is taking place. In another way, it can arise in a stationary medium because of the interference happening in between two waves which are moving in opposite directions. The most general reason for the formation of the standing waves is the resonance phenomenon. In this phenomenon, the standing waves are formed inside a resonator because of the interference between waves reflected back and forth at a particular frequency known as the resonator's frequency.