Wave Interactions

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as they pass through an opening or around objects.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, changing speed.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

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

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet and combine to make a larger wave.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller wave.

Front

What is absorption in wave behavior?

Back

Absorption is the process by which a wave's energy is taken in by a material, reducing the wave's intensity.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is the wave equation?

Back

The wave equation relates the speed (v), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) of a wave: v = f × λ.

Front

What is the Doppler effect?

Back

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.