Wave Behavior

What occurs when a wave bounces off a surface that it cannot pass through?

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Transmission

• Reflection

Which of the following does NOT change when a wave is reflected?

• Speed

• Frequency

• Direction

• Wavelength

What is refraction?

• The absorption of a wave by a medium

• The bending of a wave as it passes through a medium

• The bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle

• The change in frequency of a wave as it enters a new medium

In which medium do waves generally travel the fastest?

• Gas

• Liquid

• Solid

• Vacuum

What is diffraction?

• The reflection of a wave off a surface

• The bending of a wave as it moves around an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening

• The increase in wave amplitude when two waves meet

• The change in direction of waves at the boundary between two different media

When does a wave diffract more?

• When its frequency is lower than the size of an opening or obstacle

• When its wavelength is shorter than the size of an opening or obstacle

• When its wavelength is large compared to the size of an opening or obstacle

• When its amplitude is higher than the size of an opening or obstacle

What happens to a wave when it passes through a narrow opening?

• It reflects and changes direction.

• It diffracts, or spreads out.

• It stops and does not continue.

• It increases in frequency.

When does diffraction occur besides when a wave passes through a narrow opening?

• When a wave encounters a smooth surface.

• When a wave encounters an obstacle.

• When a wave increases its amplitude.

• When a wave is absorbed by a material.

What occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine together?

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Interference

• Polarization

What is constructive interference?

• Waves combine to produce a wave with a smaller amplitude

• Waves combine to cancel each other out

• Waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude

• Waves pass through each other without interaction