velocity antinode

physics

Also known as: displacement antinode

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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In physics, a velocity antinode is a point within a standing wave where the amplitude of the wave's velocity is at its maximum. Standing waves are formed when two identical waves travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. While the wave itself doesn't travel through space, it oscillates.1

Nodes are points of minimum amplitude, while antinodes are points of maximum amplitude. In the context of velocity, a velocity antinode signifies the location where the particles of the medium are moving with the greatest speed. This concept is crucial in understanding phenomena like sound waves in air columns and vibrations in musical instruments.231

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sound
In air columns
…there of a velocity or displacement antinode similar to the centre of the fundamental mode of a stretched string, as illustrated at the top of Figure 4. On the other hand, the air at the closed end of a tube cannot move, so that a closed end results in a…
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…there of a velocity or displacement antinode similar to the centre of the fundamental mode of a stretched string, as illustrated at the top of Figure 4. On the other hand, the air at the closed end of a tube cannot move, so that a closed end results in a…
Read More