Waves at Boundaries Quiz

In which picture (letter) do you observe planar waves?

• A

• B

• C

• D

In which picture (letter) do you observe CIRCULAR waves?

*Look closely, there CAN be more than one.

• A, C, E

• B only

• D + F

• No pictures

In which picture (letter) do you observe REFLECTING waves?

• D only

• F only

• D + F

• No pictures

In which picture (letter) do you observe waves DIFFRACTING?

• C only

• E only

• C + E

• No pictures

When a wave strikes a boundary and bounces back into the original medium, this phenomenon is known as:

• Refraction

• Reflection

• Diffraction

• Absorption

What happens to light when it moves from air into water?

• Reflection - it bounces off

• Refraction - it bends

• Diffraction - it bends around

• Absorption - it decreases in its amplitude

Which of the following best describes diffraction?

• It bends around a boundary (from planar to circular)

• It bounces off (reflects)

• It changes its direction (refraction)

• The energy is absorbed

Which principle explains why we can hear sounds around corners?

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Diffraction

• Absorption

A sound wave goes through a sound muzzle (damper). The Amplitude of the wave ______ and therefore the volume/loudness of the sound wave must _______.

• Increase; Increase

• Increase; Increase

• Decrease; Decrease

• Decrease; Decrease

Which of the following materials would have the highest absorption of sound waves?

(*Think which material would absorb sound the best.)

• Metal

• Glass

• Foam

• Water