Wave Properties

Reflection

When a wave is turned back toward its start point

Fixed End – wave hits an obstacle that is rigid and is reflected back inverted

Free End ReflectionWave hits an end of a medium free to

move, wave reflected back but not inverted

There is no change in frequency, wavelength, or velocity during reflection as long as the medium stays the same

Transmission

When wave passes through from one medium to another

Frequency stays the same as it passes into another medium

In different medium, the speed, and thus wavelength, will be different

At Boundary

Some of the wave will continue on and some of the wave will bounce back

Partial transmissionPartial reflection

Fast to Slow Media

Loose to stiff springBoundary acts like a fixed end

Slow to Fast Media

Stiff to loose springBoundary acts like a free end

Refraction

Change in velocity and wavelength as wave enters a different media

Causes a bending appearance if wave hits new media at an angle

Bending Of Water Waves

Crests on left hit shallow water which has a lower velocity

Causes shorter wavelength

Appears as though waves are bent

Diffraction

Bending of waves around an edge of an opening or object

Why people can hear around a wallEffects of diffraction are evident only when

the size of the diffracting object is about the same or smaller than the wavelength of the waves

Reflection Off Barriers

When a wave hits a barrier at an angle, it bounces off at an angle

Ripple tank: oblique reflection

Law of Reflection

Angle of incidence = angle of reflection i = r

Parabolic Barrier