A standing wave is formed on a string by superposition of two identical waves moving in opposite directions. Which statement is correct?
AEvery particle of the string has the same amplitude
BEnergy is transported steadily from one end of the string to the other
CNodes and antinodes are fixed in position
DThe phase difference between all neighboring particles is always zero
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Nodes and antinodes are fixed in position
Principle: a standing wave has a fixed spatial pattern because it results from interference of two oppositely travelling identical waves.
1. In a standing wave, the amplitude depends on position, so some points are always at zero amplitude (nodes) and some have maximum amplitude (antinodes).
2. These points do not move along the string; they remain fixed in space.
3. There is no net transport of energy along the medium, unlike a travelling wave.
Why the others are wrong: A is false because amplitudes vary from node to antinode. B is false because standing waves do not carry net energy forward. D is false because particles in different segments can differ in phase; particles on opposite sides of a node are $\pi$ out of phase.
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