Wave Behavior

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental behaviors of waves, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference.

Wave Behavior

The way a wave acts when it encounters a barrier or enters a new medium, which depends on the type of wave, its properties, and the properties of the barrier.

Reflection

The bouncing of a wave off the surface of a barrier.

Echo

The sound produced by the reflection of sound waves off hard surfaces, such as brick walls or tile floors.

Mirror Image

An image produced by the reflection of light waves off surfaces such as calm water or mirrors.

Refraction

The bending of a wave when it passes across a barrier into a new medium because its speed changes.

Diffraction

The bending of waves to get around small barriers or to squeeze through small openings within a barrier.

Interference

The interaction that occurs when waves come into contact with each other and overlay or superimpose each other.

Resultant Wave

The single wave produced when interfering waves combine with each other.