The wavelength of a stationary wave is 24.0cm. What is the distance between a node and the next antinodes?

Analyze the question: A stationary (standing) wave has nodes (points of zero amplitude) and antinodes (points of maximum amplitude). We need the distance between a node and the next antinode, given λ = 24.0 cm.

Concept:

• Distance between two successive nodes = λ/2
• Distance between two successive antinodes = λ/2
• Distance between a node and the next antinode = λ/4

This is because a node and an antinode alternate, and between two adjacent nodes (λ/2 apart) there is exactly one antinode, right in the middle.

Solution:

Distance = λ/4 = 24.0 / 4 = 6.0 cm

Check: Node → antinode → node covers λ/2 = 12 cm, so each half of that is 6 cm. ✔

Answer: A. 6.0 cm

Exam tip: Remember the pattern "N to N = λ/2, A to A = λ/2, N to A = λ/4". Think of a skipping rope: the fixed ends are nodes and the middle bulge is the antinode, a quarter of a full wavelength away from each node.