Wave Properties

Reflection When a wave is turned back toward its start point Fixed End – wave hits an obstacle that is rigid and is reflected back inverted

Free End Reflection Wave hits an end of a medium free to move, wave reflected back but not inverted

There is no change in frequency, wavelength, or velocity during reflection as long as the medium stays the same

Transmission When wave passes through from one medium to another Frequency stays the same as it passes into another medium In different medium, the speed, and thus wavelength, will be different

At Boundary Some of the wave will continue on and some of the wave will bounce back Partial transmission Partial reflection

Fast to Slow Media Loose to stiff spring Boundary acts like a fixed end

Slow to Fast Media Stiff to loose spring Boundary acts like a free end

Refraction Change in velocity and wavelength as wave enters a different media Causes a bending appearance if wave hits new media at an angle

Bending Of Water Waves Crests on left hit shallow water which has a lower velocity Causes shorter wavelength Appears as though waves are bent

Diffraction Bending of waves around an edge of an opening or object Why people can hear around a wall Effects of diffraction are evident only when the size of the diffracting object is about the same or smaller than the wavelength of the waves

Reflection Off Barriers When a wave hits a barrier at an angle, it bounces off at an angle Ripple tank: oblique reflection

Law of Reflection Angle of incidence = angle of reflection i = r

Parabolic Barrier