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:
“A poore widow, some deal stape in age,
Was whilom dwelling in a narrow cottage,
Beside a grove, standing in a dale.”
—Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?–1400)
“Down the blue night the unending columns press
In noiseless tumult, break and wave and flow,”
—Rupert Brooke (1887–1915)