Reflection and refraction Flashcards
1
Q
When a wave meets a boundary what are the three things that can happen?
A
The wave can be:
. Absorbed
. Transmitted
. Reflected
2
Q
What happens when a wave is absorbed?
A
It’s energy is transferred to the material, often causing heating.
3
Q
What happens when a wave is transmitted?
A
The wave carries on travelling through the new material. It often leads to refraction.
4
Q
What happens when a wave is reflected?
A
The incoming ray is neither absorbed nor transmitted, but is instead sent back away from the material.
