In physics, a standing wave – also known as a stationary wave – is a wave that remains in a constant position.
This phenomenon can occur because the medium is moving in the opposite direction to the wave, or it can arise in a stationary medium as a result of interference between two waves traveling in opposite directions. In the second case, for waves of equal amplitude traveling in opposing directions, there is on average no net propagation of energy.
In a resonator, standing waves occur during the phenomenon known as resonance.
Read more about Standing Wave: Moving Medium, Opposing Waves, Physical Waves, Optical Waves, Mechanical Waves
Famous quotes containing the words standing and/or wave:
“I ask a wreathwhich will not crush my head.
And there is no hurry about it;
I shall have, doubtless, a boom after my funeral,
Seeing that long standing increases all things
regardless of quality.”
—Ezra Pound (18851972)
“And his wish is intimacy,
Intimater intimacy,
And a stricter privacy;
The impossible shall yet be done,
And, being two, shall still be one.
As the wave breaks to foam on shelves,
Then runs into a wave again,
So lovers melt their sundered selves,
Yet melted would be twain.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)