Antinode

Definition

An antinode is a point in a standing wave where the amplitude of oscillation is at its maximum. Antinodes occur at positions along the medium where constructive interference consistently occurs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antinodes are points of maximum displacement in a standing wave.
2. They occur halfway between nodes, which are points of zero displacement.
3. In air columns, antinodes form at open ends and nodes form at closed ends.
4. The distance between two consecutive antinodes is half the wavelength ($\lambda/2$).
5. Antinodes play a crucial role in the resonance conditions for musical instruments.

Review Questions

• Where do antinodes occur in relation to nodes in a standing wave?
• What is the distance between two consecutive antinodes in terms of wavelength?
• How do antinodes differ from nodes in terms of displacement?

Related terms

Node: A point in a standing wave where the amplitude is zero due to destructive interference.

Wavelength:

The distance over which the wave's shape repeats, usually measured from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Resonance:

The phenomenon that occurs when the frequency of externally applied vibrations matches an object's natural frequency, causing it to oscillate with greater amplitude.