Wave Interaction

Chapter

20.3

Reflection

• Occurs when a wave “bounces” off a barrier

• Examples– Echoes– Light reflection (Moon)

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Refraction

• The bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another.

• Example – looking into water.

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Diffraction

• Bending of waves around a barrier or through an opening.

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Interference

• Two waves can occupy the same space

• The overlapping of two + more waves

• Constructive Interference increases amplitude

• Destructive Interference decreases amplitude

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Constructive Interference

When the amplitude of two waves is in the same direction, the resultant wave is the addition of each waves amplitude.

This is called constructive interference.

Destructive Interference

When the amplitude of two waves is in the opposite direction, the resultant wave is the difference of each waves amplitude.

This is called destructive interference.

When resultant wave has zero amplitude, it is called complete destructive

interference

Constructive interference or destructive interference?

Constructive interference

What kind of wave is this?

Transverse wave