Wave Interactions

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings, which causes the waves to spread out.

Front

What is reflection in wave interactions?

Back

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

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the change in direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another, due to a change in speed.

Front

What is interference in wave interactions?

Back

Interference occurs when two or more waves meet and combine to form a new wave pattern.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference happens when two waves meet and their amplitudes add together, resulting in a larger amplitude.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes subtract from each other, resulting in a smaller amplitude.

Front

What is radiation in the context of wave interactions?

Back

Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.

Front

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of waves, while refraction is the bending of waves as they enter a different medium.

Front

Can you give an example of diffraction?

Back

An example of diffraction is the spreading of sound waves as they pass through a narrow doorway.

Front

What happens to waves during interference?

Back

During interference, waves can combine to form a wave with a larger or smaller amplitude.