Ch 8- Wave Phenomena

Question 0

Regular reflection (specular)

Answer 0

When a wave encounters a hard smooth surface. The angle of reflection is just equal to the angle of incidence. The wave merely changes direction

Light off a mirror

Question 1

Reflection

Answer 1

An abrupt change in direction of travel when a wave encounters a change of medium

Either regular or diffuse

Question 2

Diffuse reflection

Answer 2

When the waves encounter a rough surface who’s roughness features are similar in size to the wavelength. The reflected waves travel in different directions.

Light off a wall

Question 3

Why are concave surfaces undesirable

Answer 3

Because they concentrate and focus waves at a common point

Question 4

Refraction

Answer 4

The bending of waves when they passed from one medium into a medium having different wave speed.

Question 5

Examples of refraction

Answer 5

Refraction of light into water and reflection of sound toward cooler air.

Question 6

Diffraction

Answer 6

The bending of waves around obstacles are through openings.

Question 7

Doppler effect

Answer 7

The change in the apparent frequency of a sound due to relative motion between the sound source and the listener.

Question 8

Doppler effect example

Answer 8

When a fire engine is traveling toward you it will be of a high-frequency but when is traveling away from you it will be of a lower frequency (perceptually)