1. Refraction: This is the bending of the wave as it passes from one medium to another. The amount of bending depends on the angle of incidence (the angle between the incoming wave and the normal to the surface) and the refractive indices of the two media.
* Snell's Law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction:
* n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂
* Where n₁ and n₂ are the refractive indices of the first and second media, respectively, and θ₁ and θ₂ are the angles of incidence and refraction.
2. Reflection: This is the bouncing back of the wave from the surface of the new medium. A portion of the wave's energy is reflected, and the rest is transmitted into the new medium.
* The Law of Reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Other possible phenomena:
* Diffraction: If the wavelength of the wave is comparable to the size of the interface between the two media, some diffraction might occur, causing the wave to spread out as it enters the new medium.
* Polarization: The wave's polarization can also change as it enters the new medium. This is particularly relevant for electromagnetic waves.
Example: Consider a light wave traveling from air into water. Since water has a higher refractive index than air, the light wave will bend towards the normal as it enters the water (refraction). Additionally, some light will be reflected back into the air.
The specific effects of refraction, reflection, and other phenomena depend on the types of wave (light, sound, etc.) and the properties of the two media.
