1. Refraction: The wave changes direction. This is because the speed of the wave changes as it enters the new medium. The amount of bending depends on the angle of incidence, the speed of the wave in both mediums, and the properties of the mediums.
2. Reflection: Some of the wave energy is reflected back into the original medium. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.
3. Transmission: Some of the wave energy is transmitted into the new medium. The transmitted wave will have a different wavelength and direction than the incident wave.
4. Polarization: If the wave is a transverse wave (like light), it can become polarized. This means that the wave's vibrations are confined to a specific plane. Polarization can occur when the wave is reflected or refracted.
5. Interference: If two or more waves from different sources interact in the new medium, they can interfere with each other. This can create patterns of constructive and destructive interference.
Example:
Imagine a light wave traveling through air and hitting the surface of water at an angle.
* Refraction: The light wave will bend as it enters the water because the speed of light is slower in water than in air. This is why objects underwater appear to be in a different position than they actually are.
* Reflection: Some of the light will be reflected back into the air. This is why you can see your reflection in water.
* Transmission: Some of the light will pass through the water. The transmitted light will have a different wavelength and direction than the incident light.
Note: The exact behavior of the wave depends on the properties of the two mediums. For example, if the wave is traveling from a denser medium to a less dense medium, it will bend away from the normal (the line perpendicular to the surface).
