Key properties of stationary waves

Steps:

• Stationary waves form from superposition of two coherent waves of equal amplitude and frequency traveling oppositely.
• Constructive interference creates antinodes with maximum amplitude; destructive interference creates nodes with zero amplitude.
• Distance between adjacent nodes is half the wavelength of the component waves.
• All points between nodes share the same phase in their oscillations.

Why D is correct:

• A node is defined as a position where destructive interference ensures zero particle displacement at all times.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Maximum amplitude at antinodes is twice the amplitude of each creating wave, due to constructive superposition.
• B: Separation of adjacent nodes equals half the wavelength, not the full wavelength.
• C: Particles between adjacent nodes do oscillate in phase with each other.

Final answer: D