General Wave Properties and Refraction of Light

Flashcards covering reflection, refraction, diffraction, refractive index, critical angle, total internal reflection, and optical fibers.

Reflection of Wave

When a wave bounces off a barrier.

Law of Reflection

In reflection, wavelength, frequency, and speed remain constant.

Refraction of Wave

The change in speed causes a change in direction.

Refraction

Changing in direction of a wave as it transfers from one material to another.

Diffraction

The spreading out of a wave as it passes through a narrow gap or edge.

Amplitude and Frequency

Frequency is not affected by the amplitude.

Speed and Wavelength in Different Mediums

When a wave enters a denser medium, its speed and wavelength decrease, but its frequency stays constant.

Refraction of Light

The bending of light when it passes from one medium to another.

Angle of Refraction

The angle between the refracted light ray and the normal at the point of incidence.

Refractive Index

The ratio between the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a medium (n = c/v).

Critical Angle

The minimum angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs.

Total Internal Reflection

When a ray of light strikes the inner surface of a material and reflects back inside it.

Optical Fibers

Used in telecommunications and medicine.