Waves in Action Refraction and Diffraction Explained

The video explains the differences between refraction and diffraction, two key properties of waves. Refraction occurs when light bends as it passes through materials of different densities, like air and water, causing phenomena like rainbows. Diffraction involves the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles, which can be observed in sound waves spreading in a room or light waves creating interference patterns. Both concepts are crucial in understanding wave behavior and have practical applications in fields like optics and astronomy.

What are refraction and diffraction primarily associated with?

• Properties of waves

• Magnetic fields

• Types of particles

• Chemical reactions

What happens to light when it enters a new material?

• It speeds up

• It bends

• It changes color

• It disappears

Why does light bend when it moves from air to water?

• Because water is less dense than air

• Because light speeds up in water

• Because water is denser than air

• Because light changes color in water

What causes the formation of rainbows?

• Reflection of light

• Diffraction of light

• Refraction of light

• Absorption of light

How do sound waves behave when they spread out in a room?

• They travel in a straight line

• They disappear

• They spread out

• They change frequency

What happens to waves when they encounter a barrier with a small hole?

• They stop

• They reflect back

• They pass through and spread out

• They change color

What is a practical use of diffraction in science?

• Measuring temperature

• Studying DNA

• Calculating speed

• Detecting magnetic fields

How do scientists use diffraction to study stars?

• By measuring their temperature

• By observing their light patterns

• By analyzing their sound waves

• By detecting their magnetic fields

What is the difference between refraction and diffraction?

• Both involve spreading of waves

• Refraction involves bending of waves, diffraction involves spreading

• Both involve bending of waves

• Refraction involves spreading of waves, diffraction involves bending

Which of the following is NOT an example of diffraction?

• Waves passing through a small hole

• Sound waves spreading in a room

• Light bending through a prism

• X-rays creating interference patterns