Wave Phenomena - Reflection, Refraction & TIR

Question 1

Transmission

Answer 1

When wave energy is (partially or completely) carried through, out of or into a media

Question 2

Reflection

Answer 2

When a wave rebounds off an interface: angle of incidence = angle of reflection

Question 3

Refraction

Answer 3

Change in speed of a wave as it passes into a different medium causing a change in wavelength (change in direction of the wave unless it is travelling along the normal)

Question 4

Snell’s Law

Answer 4

N1Sinθ1 = N2Sinθ2
Ν1/N2 = V1/V2 = Sinθ1/Sinθ2 (where n is the refractive index, θ is the angle from normal made in medium and v is the speed in the medium)

Question 5

Critical Angle

Answer 5

The angle of incidence that causes an angle of refraction of 90°. SinC = n1/n2

Question 6

Total Internal Reflection (TIR)

Answer 6

Occurs inside a medium when a ray fails to exit and reflects back in because the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle