Wave Interactions

destructive interference

the interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude

constructive interference

the interference that occurs when waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude

reflection

An echo is an example of what type of wave interaction?

Examples of diffraction

Being able to hear someone speaking around a corner is an example of what?

Refraction

Rainbows, prisms, difficulty catching fish with your hands, and legs appearing "cut" when standing in water are all examples of what wave interaction?

Interference

Static on radio or TV signals, "beats" caused by out of tune instruments, and noise canceling headphones are all examples of what type of wave interaction?

hard, smooth surface

What type of surface do you need for reflection?

standing wave

a wave that appears to stand in one place, even though it is really two waves interfering as they pass through each other

refraction

the bending of waves as they enter a new medium at an angle

diffraction

the bending of waves as they move around a barrier or pass through an opening

reflection

the bouncing back of an object or a wave when it hits a surface through which it cannot pass

interference

the interaction of two waves overlapping

law of reflection

the rule that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence