Refraction and Reflection of Light and Waves

Refraction and Reflection of Light and Waves

by Derek Lim

​Reflection of waves

​Watch the video and notice the direction that the wave fronts are reflected by the straight solid boundary.

Multiple Choice

Choose the diagram that shows the direction a wave is reflected by a straight solid boundary.

• A

• B

• C

• D

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The reflection for a light ray is similar to that of a wave.

The angle of incidence is measured from the light ray to the normal line.

The angle of reflection is also measured the same.

Multiple Choice

• A

• B

• C

• D

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Notice how the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction is labelled.

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​It is according to the how the light ray travels.

Multiple Choice

Which labelled angle in the angle of refraction?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Which diagram shows the correct way light enters an solid tubular prism and in internally reflected?

• A

• B

• C

• D

​Refraction of waves

​To answer the next question, observe the how the wave fronts change direction, wavelength and speed as it passes through a medium of higher density.

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​Note, the distance between the wave fronts is the wavelength of the wave.

Multiple Choice

How do the speed and wavelength of the waves in region Y compare with their values in region X?

• A

• B

• C

• D