Nodes & Antinodes
Specific fixed positions on a standing wave where displacement amplitude is zero (nodes) or maximum (antinodes).
Governing formula
Node Spacing = λ / 2, Antinode Spacing = λ / 2
SI unit
m
In depth
Nodes result from permanent destructive interference; antinodes result from permanent constructive interference. Distance between consecutive nodes is half a wavelength.
Examples in the real world
Touching a guitar string lightly at its midpoint forces a node there, producing an octave overtone harmonic.