Reflection:
* Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave from a surface.
* Angle of incidence (angle of the incoming wave) equals the angle of reflection (angle of the reflected wave).
* This is a common phenomenon with light waves (mirrors) and sound waves (echoes).
Refraction:
* Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another. This happens because the wave's speed changes as it enters a medium with a different density.
* The amount of refraction depends on the angle of incidence and the difference in the wave's speed in the two mediums.
* This is commonly observed with light waves (bending of light in water) and sound waves (sound traveling through different materials).
Diffraction:
* Diffraction is the spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle.
* The amount of diffraction depends on the size of the opening or obstacle relative to the wavelength of the wave.
* This is a fundamental phenomenon in optics (light passing through a narrow slit) and acoustics (sound waves bending around corners).
Absorption:
* Absorption is the process where a wave loses energy as it interacts with a material.
* The material's properties determine how much energy is absorbed. Some materials are good absorbers (like a black surface for light), while others are poor absorbers (like a mirror).
* The absorbed energy can be converted into heat or other forms of energy.
Transmission:
* Transmission is the passage of a wave through a medium.
* The amount of transmission depends on the properties of the medium. Some materials are transparent (like glass for light), while others are opaque (like a wall).
Interference:
* Interference occurs when two or more waves meet.
* Constructive interference occurs when the crests of two waves coincide, resulting in a larger amplitude.
* Destructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave meets the trough of another, resulting in a smaller amplitude or even cancellation.
* This phenomenon is crucial in understanding wave superposition and the formation of patterns like interference fringes.
Other Behaviors:
* Scattering: Waves can also be scattered, meaning they change direction in a random manner when they encounter small particles or irregularities in a medium.
* Polarization: Some waves, like light, can be polarized, meaning their oscillations are confined to a specific plane.
It's important to note that these behaviors can occur simultaneously and influence each other. The specific behavior of a wave when it strikes a surface will depend on the specific combination of factors involved.
