A standing wave is the result of two waves of the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions. Thus, there is no energy that is transmitted by a standing wave.

• What are the highest points on a standing wave called?

• Where can you touch a standing wave without disturbing it?

• Do all frequencies produce standing waves?

• Why do open tubes produce all harmonics?

• What harmonics are present in an open pipe?

In the first harmonic, the open tube contains exactly half of a standing wave (antinode-node-antinode). Thus the harmonics of the open cylinder are calculated in the same way as the harmonics of a closed/closed cylinder.

• Is sound louder at node or antinode?

Sound is produced due to variation of pressure and it is louder where pressure variation is maximum. The strain is maximum at nodes and hence the pressure, therefore the sound is louder at nodes.

• Why do closed pipes have odd harmonics?

Because the pipe is closed at one end and open at the other, there's a difference in the possible displacement of air particles at each end. At the open end the particles are free to vibrate but at the closed end they are restrained by the end.