Wave Behavior
Waves exhibit several interesting behaviors when they interact with their environment or other waves.
Here are some of the common wave behaviors:
Reflection: When a wave encounters a barrier, it bounces back in the opposite direction. The angle of incidence (the angle at which the wave strikes the barrier) equals the angle of reflection (the angle at which the wave bounces off). You can see reflection in action when sound waves bounce off a wall and you hear an echo, or when light waves bounce off a mirror and create a reflection.
Refraction: When a wave travels from one medium to another where its speed is different, it bends. This bending is called refraction. The amount of bending depends on the difference in speed between the two mediums.
Refraction is why a straw appears bent when inserted in a glass of water, and why light bends as it enters the atmosphere from space, causing objects to appear slightly displaced.
Diffraction: When a wave encounters an opening or a small obstacle, it bends around the edges and spreads out. Diffraction is why sound waves can bend around corners, and why light waves can spread out from a narrow slit.
Interference: When two waves meet, their crests and troughs can interact with each other, producing either constructive or destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when the crests of two waves line up, creating a wave with a larger amplitude. Destructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave lines up with the trough of another wave, partially or completely canceling out the waves.
Introduction to Waves – Definition, Types, Properties
A wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance (change from equilibrium) of one or more quantities in physics, mathematics, and related subjects, commonly described by a wave equation.
At least two field quantities in the wave medium are involved in physical waves. Periodic waves occur when variables oscillate periodically around an equilibrium (resting) value at a specific frequency.
A traveling wave occurs when the entire waveform moves in one direction; a standing wave occurs when two superimposed periodic waves move in opposite directions. The amplitude of vibration in a standing wave features nulls at some points when the wave amplitude seems reduced or even zero.
Table of Content
- Wave
- Characteristics of Waves
- Types of Waves
- Formula for Speed of Wave
- Properties of Waves
- Sample Problems