Wave behaviour

• What is the equation used to calculate wave speed?

  Wave Speed = Frequency x Wavelength
• What are the appropriate units for wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

  Speed (m/s), Frequency (Hz), Wavelength (m)
• What term describes when a wave bounces off a surface?


  Reflection
• What is the normal in terms of reflection and refraction?

  The normal is a vertical imaginary line which is perpendicular to the boundary.
• What occurs when light is reflected off a boundary?


  It bounces off a smooth flat surface so that the angle of incidence is the same as the angle of reflection.
• What is refraction?

  Refraction is the change in speed of a wave as it reaches a boundary between two media, usually resulting in a change in direction.
• What occurs when light is refracted at a boundary?

  The light changes speed and direction in the new medium.
• What happens to light waves when entering a denser material?

  Light waves slow down and bend towards the normal.
• What happens to light waves when entering a less dense material?

  Light waves speed up and bend away from the normal.
• How can refraction be measured?


  The angle of incidence, i, and angle of refraction, r, can be measured and compared relative to the normal.
• What are the effects of absorption of different wavelengths of waves in different mediums?


  • Some materials behave differently depending on the wavelength.
  • Example: Glass transmits visible light but reflects UV light.
• How do sound waves travel through a solid?


  The particles in the solid vibrate and transfer kinetic energy through the material.
• What occurs when light is refracted at a boundary?

  • The light changes speed and direction in the new medium.
  • If the new medium is more dense, light travels slower and bends towards the normal.
  • If the new medium is less dense, light travels faster and bends away from the normal.