Wave Phenomena

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection occurs when a wave strikes an object and bounces off it. All types of waves, including sound, water, and light waves, can be reflected.

Front

How does light reflection allow a person to see themselves in a mirror?

Back

Light strikes a person's face and bounces off. The light reflected off the face strikes the mirror and is reflected into the person's eyes.

Front

What are echoes?

Back

Echoes are a result of reflecting sound waves. Sound waves reflect off surfaces and can travel back to the ears.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection. This law applies to all reflected waves, including light, sound, and water waves.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave caused by a change in its speed as it travels from one medium to another.

Front

What causes the illusion of a broken straw in water?

Back

The illusion is caused by refraction, as light waves change speed and direction when passing from air to water.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of a wave around an object. It occurs when waves pass around an object, unlike refraction, which occurs when waves pass through an object.

Front

How does diffraction affect hearing around corners?

Back

Sound waves, with wavelengths similar in size to a door opening, diffract around the door and spread out, allowing you to hear sounds from a room before seeing into it.

Front

What is interference?

Back

Interference is the process of two or more waves overlapping and combining to form a new wave.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when the crests of two or more waves overlap, resulting in a wave with a larger amplitude.