Waves in 2D Flashcards
Define Wavefront
A continuous crest or trough
Define Wave Ray
the direction of travel or transmission of a wave. (a right angle to the wave front)
Define Incident ray
Incoming wave ray
Define Reflected wave ray
Outgoing wave ray
Define Normal
imaginary line that is perpendicular to the barrier
Define Angle of incidence
angle between the reflected ray and normal
Define Angle of reflection
angle between the reflected ray and normal
What is Refraction?
when a wave changes the direction in which it is moving. Caused by a change in speed moving from one medium to another
what is Diffraction?
the bending of a wave as it moves around a barrier
what is interference?
when two waves occupy the same space
What is Constructive interference?
occurs where two troughs or crests meet
what is deconstructive interference?
Occurs where a trough and crest meet
What changes during refraction?
Direction and wavelength
Diffraction: what is the difference between a wave moving through a small opening compared to a
large opening?
Smaller opening shows more diffraction and more circular waves, and bigger opening is the opposite
What happens to angle of refraction when going from 1.) air to water 2.) air to glass 3.) glass to water
1.) Refraction < Incidence
2.) Refraction < Incidence
3.) Refraction > Incidence
