Wave Behavior

Reflection Reflection- When a wave strikes an object or surface and bounces off. Ex: Echo is reflected sound waves Ex: Mirror reflects light waves If smooth surface the reflected image is clear and sharp If rough or uneven the reflected image is distorted because reflected light scatters

Refraction Refraction- The bending of a wave as it moves from one medium into another Ex: Pencil in glass of water looks like it is bending Light waves travel faster in air than in water Larger speed change means a bigger difference Prisms refract light twice and separates colors (rainbow) because each color has a different wavelength Wavelength (Decreasing) Red (longest), Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet (shortest)

Diffraction Diffraction- Bending of waves around a barrier Sound waves diffract much easier than light waves because they have longer wave lengths than light waves Water does the same around barriers

When Waves Meet Interference- When two waves combine and form a new wave when they overlap After they overlap the two waves continue to travel on in their original form Constructive interference creates larger waves (crest meets crest) Destructive interference creates smaller waves (crest meets trough) Waves with larger amplitudes carry more energy. Ex: Ocean Waves Use ear protectors to absorb some of the energy carried by sound waves