When I create an wave on a string by striking or, plucking, how an another wave of same time period, frequency but of different sign create itself which results to the formation of the stationary wave?
1 Answer
It is because of reflection.
Explanation:
When the wave reaches the end of the sting, where it is anchored, it reflects and travels back to the other end of the string. As it reflects and starts going to the other end of the string, the reflected wave is of polarity opposite of the polarity as just before the reflection.
I have found several websites, some with simulation, that explain that better than I can. Check out these links:
(https://ccrma.stanford.edu/realsimple/travelingwaves/Traveling_Waves_Vibrating_String.html) This one is a series of 4 pages, each taking the subject one step further. Click the "Next" link top left or bottom left.
Strings, standing waves and harmonics Pay particular attention to the section titled "Travelling waves and standing waves". It is good, but it seems they confused right and left when talking about the colored lines.
Standing Waves on a String Pay particular attention to the discussion of the drawings.
I hope this helps,
Steve
