As an example of a standing wave we have a musical tone, which is a combination of a fundamental pitch and a series of harmonics. Is there anything to suggest that additional harmonics don't continue up far beyond the range of hearing, perhaps even approaching infinity? Or is there some point where the vibrations begin to fizzle out?

DEAR NITIN,

The harmonics can go well past the range of hearing, but not to infinity. When half the wavelength equals the spacing between adjacent atoms, that is the highest frequency that can be produced.

You could picture such a standing wave like this:

Hope that helps.

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