Learning Hub/Simulation Registry/Physics/HL/Chapter 15

Physics HL

Chapter 15: Standing Waves and Resonance

Build standing-wave and resonance fluency from superposition and boundary conditions to harmonic frequencies, pipe modes, damping, and driven response.

1 simulation entries

Simulation: Standing-Wave Formation Studio

Superpose counter-propagating waves, track node positions, and test how phase shifts alter fixed-pattern geometry.

Appears in: 15.1 Standing Waves, 15.2 Standing Waves on Strings, 15.3 Standing Waves in Pipes, 15.4 Resonance and Damping

Net power-transfer bias

0.00e+0 %

Period

0.455 s

Probe incident y

-3.53 cm

Probe reflected y

-3.53 cm

Probe resultant y

-7.07 cm

Blue: incident, orange: reflected, green: resultant standing patternNode lines remain fixed in space; phase slider shows boundary-condition shifts.Node spacing ≈ λ/2 = 0.600 m · Max standing amplitude ≈ 7.60 cmIn ideal equal-amplitude counter-propagation, average net energy transport is zero.

Use this lab as a model-switching tool: start from boundary conditions, identify allowed modes, and then link harmonic equations to measurable frequencies and damping-limited resonance response.