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What are three ways that waves interact with matter?
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Three common ways waves interact with matter are:
1. Reflection — the wave bounces off the surface. Example: light off a mirror or an echo of sound from a canyon wall.
2. Transmission (often with refraction) — the wave passes into a new material and may change speed and direction. Example: light bending when it goes from air into glass; sound traveling through water.
3. Absorption — the material takes up the wave’s energy and converts it (usually to heat). Example: dark clothing warming in sunlight or acoustic foam damping sound.
(Other interactions include scattering, diffraction, and interference, which are also important in many contexts.)
1. Reflection — the wave bounces off the surface. Example: light off a mirror or an echo of sound from a canyon wall.
2. Transmission (often with refraction) — the wave passes into a new material and may change speed and direction. Example: light bending when it goes from air into glass; sound traveling through water.
3. Absorption — the material takes up the wave’s energy and converts it (usually to heat). Example: dark clothing warming in sunlight or acoustic foam damping sound.
(Other interactions include scattering, diffraction, and interference, which are also important in many contexts.)
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