Physics Year 11 - Module 3 - Lesson 7
Standing Waves and Resonance
1. Key Ideas
A standing wave is not a wave travelling along the medium. It is the stable pattern formed when two identical waves travel in opposite directions. That pattern reveals nodes, antinodes, harmonics, and the idea of resonance — the reason a guitar string can ring out a clear note while other frequencies die away almost instantly.
- How standing waves form
- Why standing waves are formed by opposite-travelling waves
2. Success Criteria
By the end, you should be able to:
- How standing waves form
- What nodes and antinodes are
- What resonance means
3. Key Terms
4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map
Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.
| Prompt | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Main concept | |
| Important example | |
| Common mistake to avoid | |
| How this links to the next lesson |
5. Short Answer Questions
1. 7. Explain the difference between a node and an antinode in a standing wave.
2. 8. A string fixed at both ends has length 1.5 m. Find the wavelength of the third harmonic.
3. 9. Explain why resonance causes a dramatic increase in amplitude in a mechanical system.
6. Extend: Apply the Idea
A student gives a memorised answer about Standing Waves and Resonance but does not use evidence or reasoning.
Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.
7. Multiple Choice
1. What is the best first step when answering a question about Standing Waves and Resonance?
A. Identify the key concept being tested
B. Write every fact from memory
C. Ignore the command word
D. Skip examples and evidence
2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of Standing Waves and Resonance?
A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning
B. A copied definition only
C. A single-word response
D. An answer with no example
3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?
A. Link the idea to a reason or cause
B. List unrelated facts
C. Only draw a diagram
D. Write the shortest possible answer
8. Success Criteria Proof
Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.