Wave Interactions Chapter 14-3

Wave Interactions There are 4 basic interactions 1. reflection-bouncing back of waves after it hits something it can’t pass through

Reflection 2 parts to a reflection- rays and angle of incident. Ray- lines drawn in the direction of the wave

Rays continued 2 types of rays Incoming ray is called the incident ray The bounce back ray is called the reflected wave

Angle of incident The angle formed by the incident ray and an imaginary line drawn perpendicular.

The law of reflection states that the angle of incident is equal to the angle of reflection. Incoming ray is bounced off at the same angle.

Interactions Diffraction- bending of waves around the edge of an obstacle. The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength and the size of the obstacle

Diffraction also occurs when passing through a small opening Diffraction also occurs when passing through a small opening. They diffract and spread out as they pass through the hole.

Interactions Refraction-waves travel in a straight line unless it goes into another medium then the wave bends because the speed of the waves change.

Interactions Interference- 2 or more waves that arrive at the same place at the same time. There are 2 ways waves combine Constructive interference Destructive interference

Interference con’t 1Constructive interference Disturbance that results in a larger wave because 2 waves combine and the amplitude equals the sum of them both

Interference con’t Destructive interference Disturbance that results in a smaller wave because 2 waves combine at the trough of one and crest of another.

Standing Waves Def- a wave that does not appear to be moving.

Antinodes- constructive interference cause maximum energy displacement Nodes- points at which destructive interference results in no energy displacement