Waves

Waves

1. Refraction

   • Refraction is when light waves change speed and direction when they pass through mediums of different densities.
     • Refraction doesn't happen when it hits a different medium face on/90 degrees, it carries straight on.
       • Emergent Ray- the ray that exits the medium.
       • Incidence Ray- the ray that enters the medium
       • The Normal- a perpendicular line which is at 90 degree angles to the rays.
   • Reflection
     • Reflection - bounce off
       • the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection
       • sound and light waves reflect from surfaces
       • the light is reflected because of the change in density
         • e.g water is denser than air
   • Refraction-changing direction.
     • the angle of refraction is always less than the angle of incidence

2. Transverse

   • e.g. rope,water,radio,light
     • These are called electromagnetic waves.
   • Osciallation is perpendicular to the direction of the wave

3. Longitudinal

   • e.g. sound, seismic
     • These are called mechanical substance medium waves.
   • Oscilliation is parallel to the direction of the wave

4. To work out wave questions either use the triangle, or use distance over velocity x frequency

5. Remember to work out the wavelength of just one wave unless the question asks for more

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