Standing Waves

A standing wave is the result of two waves of the same frequency and amplitude traveling in the opposite directions through the same medium.​

Nodes are the points of no disturbance on a standing wave.

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Antinodes are where the amplitude is maximum.​

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Nodes and Antinodes

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​Fundamental Frequency

The fundamental frequency, or natural frequency, of a medium happens when it vibrates with the simplest standing wave: 2 nodes and 1 antinode.

Fun Fact: The fundamental frequency of the A string on a guitar is about 110 Hz!

Harmonics

The harmonic of a wave is a multiple of the fundamental frequency.

The vibrating part of the E string of a violin is 0.33 m long and has a fundamental frequency of 659 Hz.

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​In your notes packet, use these values to fill out your harmonics chart for this string.

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​Harmonic Series

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... and on an Organ