Wave Interactions and Behaviors
Wave Behaviors Transmission: Occurs when waves pass
through a given point or medium. example: Sound waves transmitted thru solids, liquids and
gases. Radio waves are transmitted through one electron through another.
Light waves are transmitted – 3 ways light and matter can pass through material.
A. Transparent material: Only a small amount of light is reflected or absorbed (may be clear or colored material such as filters, windows).
B. Opaque material: allows no light waves to be transmitted through them.
C. Translucent materials: Transmit some light, but cause it to be scattered so no clear image is seen.
Wave BehaviorsAbsorption--occurs when the energy is not transferred through or reflected by the given mediumDisappearance of an electromagnetic wave into a medium.
Opposite of reflection
We see colors because of the selective absorption of visible light.
Objects absorb certain wavelengths and we see what is leftover.
The colors we see depend on the wavelength absorbed.
Absorption
Orange
Yellow GreenBlue
Violet
RedRed
The apple absorbs all wavelengths except red.
The apple reflects mostly red. Therefore, it looks like red.
Essay question on test!!!
Absorption A material that absorbs all wavelengths of
visible light will appear black.
In contrast, a material that reflects all wavelengths will appear white.
Objects or substances that absorb any wavelength of EM radiation become warmer and convert the absorbed energy to infrared radiation. (GREENHOUSE EFFECT)
Wave BehaviorsA. Reflection– bouncing back of a wave as it
meets a boundary or surface (pg.
- Examples: Echoes, Looking in a mirror
Wave BehaviorsB. Refraction– bending of waves as they pass
from one medium to another (pg.
Wave BehaviorsC. Diffraction– bending of waves around an
edge (Pg.
Wave Interactions
D. Interferance –
combination of 2 or more waves
usually produces one wave
(bigger if in phase)
(smaller if out of phase)
Wave InteractionsConstructive interference – when
waves combine to create a bigger wave
sum of the amplitudes of the waves
Examples: Pg.
Wave Interactions2. Destructive interference – when waves combine to form a smaller or no wave
some may completely cancel out difference between the amplitudes of the waves- Example: Pg.
Wave Interactions E. Wave speed depends on
the mediumex. Sound moves fastest through
solids moves moderately fast
through liquids moves slowest through
air/gases (340 m/s)
- due to movement of molecules in the medium
Wave InteractionsF. Light travels at a constant speed
3x 108 m/s = 300,000,000 m/s (186,000 miles/sec.)
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