IB Physics C4 Definitions

This page contains our IB Physics definitions for C4. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Standing waves & resonance'.
Antinode

It is a point a maximum amplitude in a standing wave

Boundary conditions

These are the conditions that must be present at the edges of a system for a standing wave to be formed. Also called resonant modes

First harmonic

It is the resonant mode with the lowest frequency

Node

It is a point at rest in a standing wave

Standing wave

It is a wave whose spatial pattern remains constant whilst the amplitude changes

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