1. Refraction of Sound Waves

2. What Happens When a Sound Wave enters a New Medium?
When a sound wave refracts, 2 things occur. The wavelength increases or decreases, based on the refractive index of the material the wave is entering, compare to the one it’s leaving. While the wavelength can change in different mediums, the frequency remains constant.
This change in speed has a second effect. If the wave doesn’t strike the second medium head on, the wave to changes direction as it enters the new medium (or refracting it).

3. But what is refraction (of sound) ?
Refraction of sound occurs when a sound wave enters a new medium. It is similar to light in that the sound waves “bend” when they enter a new medium.

4. An example of Sound Refraction
The use of sonar by ships on the ocean