Reflection and refraction of waves Flashcards
1
Q
The law of reflection
A
Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
2
Q
The normal
A
An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence
3
Q
Explain refraction of light
A
1) Waves travel at different speeds in substances which have different densities. EM waves travel more slowly in denser material. Sound waves travel faster in denser substances.
2) This means that when a wave crosses the boundary between 2 substances, it changes speed.
4
Q
What happens when the wave hits a boundary ‘face on’
A
It carries on slower but in the same direction because the angle of incidence is neutral.
