Here's why:
* Standing Waves: These are formed when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere.
* Interference: When waves interfere, their amplitudes add together. At some points, the waves add constructively (crest meets crest, or trough meets trough), resulting in a larger amplitude. At other points, they add destructively (crest meets trough), resulting in a smaller amplitude.
* Antinodes: The points where constructive interference occurs have the largest amplitude. These points are called antinodes.
* Nodes: Conversely, the points where destructive interference occurs have zero amplitude. These points are called nodes.
Think of it like this: In a standing wave, the antinodes are the "peaks" of the wave, while the nodes are the "still" points where the medium doesn't move.
