Standing Waves

Interactive simulation — adjust parameters and watch the visualization update in real time.

How it works

Ideal standing wave on a string fixed at both ends: only harmonics with wavelengths λₙ = 2L/n fit. Nodes stay still; antinodes oscillate with maximal amplitude. Changing n changes the number of loops.

Key equations

y = A sin(nπx/L) cos(ωₙt), ωₙ = nπc/L

Nodes: x = mL/n (m = 0,…,n). Antinodes: x = (m+½)L/n (m = 0,…,n−1).