waves

waves

1. reflection

   • Sound waves and light waves reflect from surfaces. Remember that they behave just like water waves in a ripple tank. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection

2. refraction

   • Sound waves and light waves change speed when they pass across the boundary between two substances with different densities, such as air and glass. This causes them to change direction and this effect is called refraction.

3. transverse

   • In transverse waves, the oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel and energy transfer.

4. longitudinal

   • In longitudinal waves, the oscillations are along the same direction as the direction of travel and energy transfer.