Wave Interactions Vocab

Resonance

A phenomenon that occurs when two objects naturally vibrate at the same frequency

concave lenses

Lens that has an inward curve in the middle. This causes light that enters the lens to spread out, or diverge. This makes images appear smaller.

convex lenses

Lens that has an outward curve in the middle. This bends light rays inward, which results in the object being perceived as larger or closer.

absorption

Process in which light is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium.

concave mirror

Reflect light inward to one focal point. They are used to focus light. Image depends on location of object to focal point.

convex mirror

Reflect light outwards to no focal point. Image is smaller and stretched than the object.

Law of Reflection

The angle at which the wave strikes the material (angle of incidence) will match the angle at which the reflected wave bounces off the material (angle of reflection).

constructive interference

The interference that occurs when waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude-ADD Amplitudes from each wave together

refraction

When a wave changes direction (& speed) as it passes from one medium into another. Example: the bending of waves as they enter a new medium at an angle

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

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 between waves that meet

destructive interference

the interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude-SUBTRACT Amplitudes from each other

Polarization

when the displacement of a transverse wave is in a specific orientation or direction