Wave Interactions

6 Wave Interactions When a wave encounters a surface, 6 interactions can occur Interference Diffraction Reflection Absorption Refraction Polarization

Interference Interference – when two or more waves meet in the same medium Constructive Interference – when two waves add up to make a larger wave amplitude Destructive Interference – when waves add up to make a smaller or zero wave amplitude (cancel each other out)

Constructive Interference

Constructive Interference Crest to Crest Trough to Trough

Destructive Interference

Destructive Interference Crest to Trough

Result of Interference Resonance – occurs when vibrations travelling through an object match the object’s natural frequency Also occurs when one object vibrates another object without touching it

Result of Resonance

Result of Resonance Glass shattering Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsing Tuning forks vibrating

Reflection Reflection – when a wave bounces off a material and goes in a new direction

Refraction Refraction – when a wave passes through a different material and bends

Refraction

Diffraction Diffraction – when a wave bends around or goes through a hole in a material

Absorption Absorption – when a wave is absorbed by the material and may disappear

Polarization Polarization – when waves move as a transverse and longitudinal waves but only one can get through VIDEO