Difference Between Progressive Wave And Stationary Waves

 

Difference between progressive wave and stationary waves :- Progressive waves and stationary waves are two important types of waves in physics. Although both are produced due to vibrations, they differ in their nature, formation, and properties. The following are the main differences between progressive waves and stationary waves :

Sr. No.	Progressive Wave	Stationary Waves
1	A progressive wave travels through the medium with a constant velocity.	A stationary wave does not travel and remains confined to a fixed region.
2	The amplitude remains nearly the same for all particles of the medium.	The amplitude changes with position, becoming zero at nodes and maximum at antinodes.
3	All particles within one wavelength have different phases.	All particles between two consecutive nodes vibrate in the same phase, while particles in adjacent segments of length () vibrate in opposite phases.
4	Energy is continuously transferred in the direction of wave motion.	Energy remains confined within the wave and no net transfer of energy takes place through the medium.

 

🔬 Curio Capsules

1. At the nodes of a stationary wave, the particles always remain at rest, so their displacement, velocity, and kinetic energy are zero. However, the strain  is maximum at the nodes because the neighbouring particles on the two sides move in opposite directions, producing maximum stretching and compression of the medium. Hence, the potential energy stored due to strain is maximum at the nodes.
2. At the antinodes, the particles vibrate with maximum velocity, so the kinetic energy becomes maximum there, while the strain and hence the potential energy are minimum. Thus, in a stationary wave, energy continuously changes between kinetic energy at antinodes and potential energy near nodes, and their maximum values are equal.