Question
If a wave changes speed when it passes from one material to another
has occurred.
has occurred.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
When a wave changes speed as it passes from one material to another, it experiences a phenomenon known as **refraction**. Refraction occurs because different materials have different properties—such as density and elasticity—that affect the speed of the wave.
For example, when light travels from air into water, it slows down and bends at the interface between the two materials. Similarly, sound waves travel at different speeds in solids, liquids, and gases.
The extent of the change in speed and the angle at which the wave refracts can be described by Snell's law, which is given by the formula:
\[
n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)
\]
where \( n_1 \) and \( n_2 \) are the refractive indices of the two materials, and \( \theta_1 \) and \( \theta_2 \) are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.
For example, when light travels from air into water, it slows down and bends at the interface between the two materials. Similarly, sound waves travel at different speeds in solids, liquids, and gases.
The extent of the change in speed and the angle at which the wave refracts can be described by Snell's law, which is given by the formula:
\[
n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)
\]
where \( n_1 \) and \( n_2 \) are the refractive indices of the two materials, and \( \theta_1 \) and \( \theta_2 \) are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.