Behavior of waves

Reflection

When a wave strikes an object and bounces off of it

All

_________________ waves can be reflected

Law of Reflection

Angle of incidence (before strike) is always equal to the angle of reflection (after strike)

angle of incidence

Angle where the waves strike the surface

angle of reflection

Angles where the waves bounces off of surface

Refraction

The bending of waves cause by a change in its speed as it moves for one medium through another

More

The greater the change in speed, the _____ the wave bends

Medium

Light waves enter into a prism and slow down due to the change in _________ which causes the waves to refract they move through the new medium

Seperated

Different colors of light bend different amounts, thus the colors are ____________

Speed

Color of light is a different wavelength, thus, travels at a different ____________

Diffraction

When an object causes a wave to change direction and bend around it

Smaller

The size of the object the waves hit affect diffraction (____________ the object, more diffraction)

Larger

The wavelength of the object the waves hit affect diffraction (____________ the object, more diffraction)

Absorption

When a wave strikes an object and goes into it (is absorbed), energy from wave gets converted into thermal energy

Interference

When two or more waves combine to form a new wave

Constructive interference

When two or more waves add together which results in an increase in amplitude

Destructive interference

When two or more waves subtract from one another when they overlap

node

Where the waves cancel out

Standing waves

Special type of wave pattern that forms when equal in wavelength and amplitude but traveling in opposite directions, continually interfere with each other

Resonance

Process where an object is made to vibrate at its natural frequency