The distance between a node and its adjacent antinode of a transverse wave is equal to?

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the distance between a node and the antinode right next to it in a stationary (standing) wave.

Step 2: Concept In a stationary wave:

• A node is a point of zero displacement.
• An antinode is a point of maximum displacement.
• The distance between two adjacent nodes is λ/2.
• The distance between two adjacent antinodes is also λ/2.
• Between two adjacent nodes there is exactly one antinode, right in the middle.

Step 3: Solution Distance from node to adjacent node = λ/2. The antinode lies halfway between them, so:

Node to adjacent antinode = ½ × (λ/2) = λ/4

Step 4: Answer The distance is a quarter of the wavelength, which is option D.

Tip: Remember the sequence along a standing wave: Node → (λ/4) → Antinode → (λ/4) → Node. So N to N = λ/2, and N to adjacent A = λ/4. Don't confuse "node to node" (half wavelength) with "node to antinode" (quarter wavelength), as WAEC loves testing this.