Wave Interactions Reflection Bounce back wave Sound waves

Wave Interactions

Reflection – Bounce back wave ■ Sound waves that are reflected are called echoes ■ Used in sonar and echolocation ■ How wave is reflected depends on if the end if “fixed” or free Opposite wave reflected Same side wave

Refraction ■ The bending of a wave due to the wave moving from one type of medium into another. ■ Caused by change in wave speed through the new medium

Diffraction ■ Wave passing a barrier or going through a hole in a barrier bends causes the wave to wrap around the barrier ■ ex) Hearing music playing but not knowing where it’s coming from or hearing sounds under water

Interference When two or more waves meet, they interact. This is called interference. ■ ■ 1. Constructive Interference – the combining of waves to cause higher amplitude of any of the original waves. 2. Destructive Interference – when the combining of the waves produce a new wave with a smaller amplitude than the beginning waves

Constructive Interference ■ Waves with same amplitude meet ■ Adds together to make a greater amplitude

Destructive Interference ■ Waves with opposite amplitudes meet ■ Waves meet and create smaller waves ■ Wave keep moving along medium

Standing Waves ■ ■ Standing Waves – the combining of the incoming and reflected wave so that the resultant wave appears to be standing still Node – the point where Constructive Interference and Destructive Interference cause an amplitude of zero on the standing wave (no motion).