Wave Interactions Chapter 11 Section 3
Wave Interaction When a wave strikes a new medium Some of the wave’s energy is reflected Some of the wave’s energy is absorbed The amounts depend on the new medium
Reflection Reflection: bouncing back from an interface Reflection obeys the Law of Reflection Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection Schoolzone Resource Browser
Law of Reflection
Refraction When a wave travels from one medium into another medium As the wave changes speed, it also changes direction Wave slowing bends toward normal Wave speeding up bends away from normal
Refraction
Diffraction Diffraction: wave bends around a small opening or corner Occurs most if object is smaller than wavelength
Interference Two or more waves interact to form a resulting wave Constructive: resulting wave has larger amplitude Destructive: resulting wave has smaller amplitude
Which kind of interference?
Resonance Vibration of one thing makes another thing vibrate at the same frequency (or a multiple) Common in musical instruments Also can happen here: YouTube - Tacoma Bridge YouTube - Ground Resonance - Side View