Reflection, Refraction & Diffraction

Front

What is Reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a surface that it cannot pass through. For example, when light hits a mirror, it reflects back.

Front

What is Refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another, changing its speed. For example, a straw in a glass of water looks bent due to refraction.

Front

What is Diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through an opening or around obstacles. For example, sound waves can bend around corners.

Front

What is the difference between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum (like space), while mechanical waves require a medium (like air or water) to travel.

Front

What is a Transverse Wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave where the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave. An example is a wave on a string.

Front

What is a Compressional Wave?

Back

A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a wave where the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave. Sound waves are compressional waves.

Front

What is Wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points of a wave that are in phase, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is Frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency means more waves in a given time.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is the Law of Reflection?

Back

The Law of Reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection when a wave reflects off a surface.