Wave Behaviors

Front

What happens to light waves when they strike dark material?

Back

Light waves are striking the dark material and staying in it. Energy from the wave gets converted to thermal energy.

Front

In which medium does light travel fastest?

Back

Light travels fastest in a vacuum.

Front

What is the term for when a wave goes through a new substance?

Back

Transmission.

Front

Why do music studios use soft materials on their walls?

Back

To prevent sound waves from bouncing back.

Front

What causes the arrow in a glass of water to appear to change direction?

Back

Light waves are bending as they pass through the air, glass, and water.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light waves when they hit a surface.

Front

What is absorption in terms of wave behavior?

Back

Absorption is when a wave's energy is taken in by a material and converted to other forms of energy.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

Front

What is the difference between transmission and absorption?

Back

Transmission is when waves pass through a material, while absorption is when waves are taken in by the material.