Four Important Properties of Waves

1.Reflection 2.Refraction 3.Diffraction 4.Interference

1. Reflection: When a wave hits a reflecting surface, it is reflected outwards at the same angle as it came in.

Reflected light beam Incident light beam Mirror 1. Reflection

2. Refraction: Waves bend when they go from one medium to another (like from air into water or glass)

2. Refraction

2. Refraction:

2. Refraction Different wavelengths bend at different angles, which is what makes a prism able to separate white light into all its colors Glass Prism Air Refracted Colors White Light

2. Refraction

Lens 2. Refraction Refraction is also what makes lenses work. Light bends when it goes from air to glass. Focused light Incoming light Air

3. Diffraction Light bends when it goes around around obstacles and through openings

4. Interference When two waves run into one another, they add if crests overlap, and subtract if troughs overlap

Interference and Diffraction