chapter 3 lesson 3 interactions of waves

standing waves

A pattern of vibration that simulates a wave standing still

nodes

Points of zero amplitude on a standing wave

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.

Antinodes

points of maximum amplitude on a standing wave

refraction

the bending of waves due to a change in speed

diffraction

the bending or spreading 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

resonance

the quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating