| Imagine a string that is clamped at both ends. A continuing succession of waves are created in the string to move along the string and reflect at the ends. What does it mean to say that a 'standing wave' is produced? Why do we say that the standing wave patterns are 'discrete'? Click here to see an animation of standing waves). (WARNING: A fairly fast computer is required for best viewing. You can do this exercise without watching the animation, but you will find it helpful to review first the illustrations in the textbook.) |