Wave Interactions and Behaviors

Glencoe: Chapter 10 Section 3

Pages 301-309

Wave BehaviorsA. Reflection (Fig. 10-13, 10-14) (p. 301-302)–

bouncing back of a wave as it meets a boundary or surface

- Examples: Echoes, Looking in a mirror

Wave BehaviorsB. Refraction (Fig 10-15, 10-16, 10-17) (p 302-303)–

bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another

Wave BehaviorsC. Diffraction (Fig. 10-18, 10-19, 10-20)

(pages 304-305)– bending of waves around an edge

Wave Interactions

D. Interferance –

combination of 2 or more waves

usually produces one wave

(bigger if in phase)

(smaller if out of phase)

Wave InteractionsConstructive interference – when

waves combine to create a bigger wave

sum of the amplitudes of the waves

Example drawing – figure 10-21 (p 306)

Wave Interactions2. Destructive interference – when waves combine to form a smaller or no wave

some may completely cancel out difference between the amplitudes of the waves- Example drawing – figure 10-22 (page 307)

Wave Interactions E. Wave speed depends on

the mediumex. Sound moves fastest through

solids moves moderately fast

through liquids moves slowest through

air/gases (340 m/s)

- due to movement of molecules in the medium

Wave InteractionsF. Light travels at a constant speed

3x 108 m/s = 300,000,000 m/s (186,000 miles/sec.)

- symbolized as “c”