Simple Explanation

A spot where there’s no movement or sound in a standing wave.

Concise Technical Definition

A point (or line/surface in higher dimensions) of minimum amplitude in a standing wave, where destructive interference cancels out vibration or pressure variation.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a quiet spot in a wave pool—everything else is moving, but that point stays still.

Industry Usage Summary

In acoustics, nodes are used to describe null points in standing waves, which affect how bass behaves in a room. Understanding nodes helps optimize speaker and listener placement.

Engineering Shortcut

Zero-displacement point in a standing wave.

Full Technical Explanation

A node is a location in a standing wave pattern where the wave amplitude is zero due to destructive interference. In a one-dimensional wave field (e.g., a stretched string), nodes appear as fixed points. In two-dimensional fields, they form nodal lines, and in three-dimensional fields, they become nodal surfaces. In acoustics, room modes generate pressure variations that result in nodes (nulls) and antinodes (peaks). At a node, a listener may perceive a significant drop or absence in sound at certain frequencies—especially in the bass range. Understanding and managing node locations is crucial in room design, subwoofer placement, and acoustic treatment to ensure even and accurate sound across listening positions.