| standing wave n. A wave characterized by lack of vibration at certain points, between which areas of maximum vibration occur periodically. Standing waves are produced whenever a wave is confined within boundaries, as in the vibrating string of a musical instrument. Also called stationary wave. |
standing wave
n
(Physics / General Physics) Physics the periodic disturbance in a medium resulting from the combination of two waves of equal frequency and intensity travelling in opposite directions. There are generally two kinds of displacement, and the maximum value of the amplitude of one of these occurs at the same points as the minimum value of the amplitude of the other. Thus in the case of electromagnetic radiation the amplitude of the oscillations of the electric field has its greatest value at the points at which the magnetic oscillation is zero, and vice versa Also called stationary wave Compare node, antinode
standing wave (st n d ng) A wave that oscillates in place, without transmitting energy along its extent. Standing waves tend to have stable points, called nodes, where there is no oscillation. Examples of standing waves include the vibration of a violin string and electron orbitals in an atom. Also called stationary wave. See also harmonic oscillator. |
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| Noun | 1. | standing wave - a wave (as a sound wave in a chamber or an electromagnetic wave in a transmission line) in which the ratio of its instantaneous amplitude at one point to that at any other point does not vary with time undulation, wave - (physics) a movement up and down or back and forth |
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