Reflection Of Waves Flashcards
What is reflection from a smooth, flat surface called?
Specular reflection
This type of reflection occurs with a flat mirror.
What are the characteristics of an image in a mirror?
The image in a mirror is upright and virtual.
What happens when light reflects off a rough surface?
Diffuse reflection occurs, scattering light in all directions.
What can diffuse reflection cause?
It may cause a distorted image or no image at all.
What is refraction?
Refraction is the change in direction of a wave at the boundary between two transparent materials.
Why is it important to draw ray diagrams?
Ray diagrams help show the refraction of a wave at a boundary.
How does the density of a material affect wave transmission?
The denser the material, the more slowly light travels through it.
What happens to a light ray passing from air into glass?
It slows down and bends towards the normal.
What happens to a light ray passing from glass into air?
It speeds up and bends away from the normal.
What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
What happens to the wavelength when a wave slows down?
Its wavelength will decrease.
What remains the same when a wave slows down in a denser medium?
The frequency remains the same.
