6.02 Wave effects Flashcards
1
Q
3 effects of waves
A
reflection, refraction, diffraction
2
Q
Reflection
A
When a wave is travelling through a medium and it hits the surface of another medium, it bounces back. The waves are reflected from the surface at the same angle they strike it.
3
Q
Refraction
A
When a wave passes from one medium to another medium, the direction of the wave changes. When the waves slow, they change direction.
4
Q
Diffraction
A
The waves bend round the side of an obstacle, or spread out as they pass trhough a gap. Wider gaps produce less diffraction.