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There are different types of wave behaviors:
There are different types of wave behaviors:
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Diffraction
- Absorption
- Scattering
- Interference
- Transmission
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection is the "bouncing back" of a wave
Reflection is the "bouncing back" of a wave
This happens with both light and sound waves [reflected sound waves are called echos]
This happens with both light and sound waves [reflected sound waves are called echos]
Clear reflection occurs when waves bounce off of a smooth surface.
Clear reflection occurs when waves bounce off of a smooth surface.
The reflected image/sound appears clear and undisturbed
The reflected image/sound appears clear and undisturbed
Diffuse reflection
Diffuse reflection
occurs when waves bounce off of a rough surface.
occurs when waves bounce off of a rough surface.
The reflected image/sound appears blurry or distorted
The reflected image/sound appears blurry or distorted
Scientists use the Law of Reflection to calculate the angle at which the reflected wave strikes at.
Scientists use the Law of Reflection to calculate the angle at which the reflected wave strikes at.
The law states the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
The law states the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
In other words, if the incoming wave hits the object at an angle of 45°, the wave will reflect at 45°
In other words, if the incoming wave hits the object at an angle of 45°, the wave will reflect at 45°
Refraction
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of an incoming wave as it enters a new medium
Refraction is the bending of an incoming wave as it enters a new medium
Depending on the medium, the incoming wave may "bend" more of less
Depending on the medium, the incoming wave may "bend" more of less
An incoming wave may refract multiple times as it enters and exits a medium (e.g. water, bottles, air, etc)
An incoming wave may refract multiple times as it enters and exits a medium (e.g. water, bottles, air, etc)
Diffraction
Diffraction
Diffraction is the "spreading" of an incoming wave as it passes through a narrow slit or opening.
Diffraction is the "spreading" of an incoming wave as it passes through a narrow slit or opening.
This idea is one of the reasons why it is sometimes hard to hear someone speaking to you if they are in another room even if your door is open
This idea is one of the reasons why it is sometimes hard to hear someone speaking to you if they are in another room even if your door is open
Absorption
Absorption
Absorption is when an incoming wave is "taken in" by an object
Absorption is when an incoming wave is "taken in" by an object
Different objects can absorb waves in different waves
Different objects can absorb waves in different waves
The reason you feel hotter in black clothing is because block clothing absorbs light and white clothing reflects it
The reason you feel hotter in black clothing is because block clothing absorbs light and white clothing reflects it
Transmission
Transmission
Transmission is when waves are allowed to pass through a certain medium or object
Transmission is when waves are allowed to pass through a certain medium or object
Depending on the object, a part of the incoming wave may be absorbed or blocked
Depending on the object, a part of the incoming wave may be absorbed or blocked
Scattering
Scattering
Scattering is when an incoming wave is deflected in multiple directions by a surface
Scattering is when an incoming wave is deflected in multiple directions by a surface
In our everyday life, air scatters our sound waves as they travel making it difficult to talk to people very far away even if we are yelling at them.
In our everyday life, air scatters our sound waves as they travel making it difficult to talk to people very far away even if we are yelling at them.
Scientists and engineers design theaters, band rooms, and recording studios to reflect, absorb, and scatter specific sounds to get the best quality possible.
Scientists and engineers design theaters, band rooms, and recording studios to reflect, absorb, and scatter specific sounds to get the best quality possible.
Interference
Interference
Interference is when an incoming wave interacts with another wave.
Interference is when an incoming wave interacts with another wave.
This interaction could combine the two waves together or cancel both of them out
This interaction could combine the two waves together or cancel both of them out
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