A reflection of a wave occurs when the wave encounters a boundary or obstacle that does not absorb or transmit the wave energy. The wave is then redirected back in the opposite direction, creating a mirrored image of the original wave.
The angle at which the wave is reflected is equal to the angle at which it struck the boundary or obstacle. This is known as the law of reflection. The reflection of a wave can be observed in various types of waves, such as light waves, sound waves, and water waves.
In the case of light waves, for example, when a beam of light strikes a smooth and flat surface, such as a mirror, the light wave is reflected back at the same angle as it struck the mirror. This is why we can see our reflections in mirrors.
Overall, the reflection of a wave occurs when the wave encounters a boundary or obstacle that prevents the wave from passing through, causing it to bounce back in the opposite direction.
How does a reflection of a wave happen?
3 answers
Absorption
When a wave encounters a boundary or medium and is partially or completely absorbed rather than being reflected or transmitted, it is called absorption. Absorption occurs when the energy of the wave is transferred to the material it encounters, causing the wave to lose energy and dissipate.
In the case of light waves, when light hits a material that absorbs certain wavelengths, those wavelengths are absorbed by the material and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. This is how objects appear to have different colors - they absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others.
In the case of sound waves, absorption can occur when sound waves encounter soft surfaces that absorb the energy of the sound waves, reducing the intensity of the sound.
In the context of water waves, absorption can occur when the energy of the wave is transferred to the water and dissipated as heat.
Overall, absorption of waves occurs when the wave energy is transferred to the medium it encounters, causing the wave to lose energy and potentially dissipate.
In the case of light waves, when light hits a material that absorbs certain wavelengths, those wavelengths are absorbed by the material and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. This is how objects appear to have different colors - they absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others.
In the case of sound waves, absorption can occur when sound waves encounter soft surfaces that absorb the energy of the sound waves, reducing the intensity of the sound.
In the context of water waves, absorption can occur when the energy of the wave is transferred to the water and dissipated as heat.
Overall, absorption of waves occurs when the wave energy is transferred to the medium it encounters, causing the wave to lose energy and potentially dissipate.
1 answer