Refraction and Diffraction Flashcards
1
Q
What does refraction mean
A
They go through a new material but change direction
2
Q
What does diffracted mean
A
They bend round obstacles causing the waves to spread out
3
Q
What happens when waves pass through a gap or hole in diffraction
A
They spread out
4
Q
What does the amount of diffraction depend on
A
The size of the gap relative to the wavelength of the wave
5
Q
What happens if the gap is narrower or the wavelength is longer in diffraction
A
The wave spreads out more
6
Q
What can happen when you change the speed of a wave in refraction
A
It can change direction
7
Q
What happens if a wave hits a boundary straight on
A
It carries on in the same direction
8
Q
What happens if the wave hits the boundary at an angle
A
It changes direction and is refracted
