Wave Interactions & Interference - Study Guide

How much the waves diffract depends on two factors: 1. _____ 2. _____

1. the size of the obstacle 2. opening in the obstacle and the wavelength

When 2 waves pass each other, their _____ is affected.

amplitude

Why do waves bend as they enter a new medium?

because waves usually travel at different speeds in different media

_____ interference occurs when the crests of one wave overlap the crests of the other wave; thus, producing a wave with a greater amplitude.

constructive

Wave interference can be _____ or _____.

constructive, destructive

_____ interference occurs when the crests of one wave overlap the troughs of another wave.

destructive

_____ occurs when sound waves spread out and travel around obstacles or when waves pass through an opening in an obstacle.

diffraction

When destructive interference occurs, the crests and troughs cancel each other out to produce a wave with _____ amplitude.

less

Diffraction is _____ if the length of the obstacle or opening is less than the wavelength.

major

Diffraction is _____ if the length of the obstacle or opening is greater than the wavelength.

minor

A standing wave occurs because of a combination of constructive and destructive interference between a wave and its _____ wave.

reflected

An echo is an example of wave _____.

reflection

_____ occurs when waves bounce back from a barrier they cannot pass through.

reflection

Three ways that waves may interact with matter are called _____, _____, and _____.

reflection, refraction, diffraction

_____ occurs when waves bend as they enter a new medium at an angle.

refraction

When a wave is reflected straight back from an obstacle, the reflected wave interferes with the original wave and creates a _____.

standing wave

_____ occurs when waves interact with other waves.

wave interference