A standing wave is a distinctive oscillation pattern that remains fixed in space, rather than propagating through it.

Standing waves are created when two waves with identical frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with one another. This interference results in regions of constructive interference, where the waves reinforce each other, and destructive interference, where they cancel each other out. Consequently, areas of high amplitude, known as antinodes, and areas of low amplitude, known as nodes, are formed. As the waves reflect back and forth between the boundaries of the medium, the overall pattern of oscillation remains stationary, thus producing a standing wave.

Antinodes represent the points of maximum amplitude in the wave pattern, while nodes represent the points where the wave amplitude is zero. The distance between two adjacent nodes or antinodes is equal to half the wavelength of the wave.

Standing waves can be observed in various physical systems, including strings, air columns, and membranes. The specific pattern of the standing wave is influenced by the boundary conditions of the system, such as the length of the string or the shape of the container.

Standing waves play a significant role in music, as they are responsible for the generation of harmonics in musical instruments. They are also utilized in scientific research, particularly in the study of quantum mechanics and the behavior of atoms and molecules.