5.30. Wave Interactions http://www.ck12.org
Summary
- Three ways that waves may interact with matter are reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
- Reflection occurs when waves bounce back from a surface that they cannot pass through.
- Refraction occurs when waves bend as they enter a new medium at an angle and start traveling at a different
speed. - Diffraction occurs when waves spread out as they travel around obstacles or through openings in obstacles.
Vocabulary
- diffraction: Bending of a wave around an obstacle or through an opening in an obstacle.
- reflection: Bouncing back of waves from a barrier they cannot pass through.
- refraction: Bending of waves as they enter a new medium at an angle and change speed.
Explore More
Make a crossword puzzle of terms relating to wave interactions. Include at least seven different terms. You can use
the puzzle maker at the following URL. Then exchange and solve puzzles with a classmate. http://puzzlemaker.d
iscoveryeducation.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.asp
Review
- What is reflection? What happens if waves strike a reflective surface at an angle other than 90°?
- Define refraction. Why does refraction occur?
- When does diffraction occur? How is wavelength related to diffraction?