alleryStart learning →In a standing wave on a string, what is a node?
AA point where the amplitude is largest
BA point where the string moves fastest
CThe distance between two crests of the wave
DA point where the disturbance is always zero
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. A point where the disturbance is always zero
1. A node is a point where the string does not move at all.
2. More generally, a node is any point where the wave disturbance in a standing wave stays zero.
3. The fixed ends of a string must be nodes, because the string cannot move there.
4. The point of largest amplitude is the antinode, which is the opposite of a node.
5. A node is a location, not a length, so it cannot be a distance between crests.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Oscillatory Motion and Waves", section Standing Waves_
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