Chapter Twelve, Lesson Three: Interactions of Waves

Question 1

reflection

Answer 1

When a wave hits a surface, any part of the wave that cannot pass through the surface bounces back. This interaction with a surface is called reflection.

Question 2

refraction

Answer 2

Refraction is the bending of waves due to a change in speed.

Question 3

diffraction

Answer 3

When a wave moves around a barrier or through an opening in a barrier, it bends and spreads out. These wave interactions are called diffraction.

Question 4

interference

Answer 4

Interference is the interaction between waves that meet.

Question 5

constructive interference

Answer 5

Interference in which waves combine to form a wave with a larger amplitude than any individual wave’s amplitude is called constructive interference.

Question 6

destructive interference

Answer 6

Interference in which two waves combine to form a wave with a smaller amplitude than either original wave had is called destructive interference.

Question 7

standing wave

Answer 7

A standing wave is a wave that appears to stand in one place, even though it is two waves interfering as they pass through each other.

Question 8

nodes

Answer 8

In a standing wave, destructive interference produces points with zero amplitude, called nodes.

Question 9

antinode

Answer 9

Points of maximum amplitude on a standing wave are called antinodes.

Question 10

resonance

Answer 10

Resonance is an increase in the amplitude of a vibration that occurs when external vibrations match an object’s natural frequency.