Reflection of Waves

• What happens when a wave hits a boundary with a different material?

  It can be transmitted, absorbed, or reflected
• What is refraction in the context of waves?

  Change of direction when passing into another material
• What happens to the wave if it is absorbed by the material?

  The wave may not pass through at all
• What is the term for the line drawn at right angles to the surface of a mirror?

  The normal
• What is the angle of incidence?

  The angle between the incident ray and the normal
• What is the key fact about the angle of reflection?

  It equals the angle of incidence
• How do you determine the position of the image in a mirror using a ray diagram?

  By extending the reflected rays back into the mirror
• What are the steps to draw a ray diagram for reflection?

  1. Draw the incident ray from the object to the mirror.
  2. Draw the normal at right angles to the mirror surface.
  3. Draw the reflected ray, ensuring the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.
  4. Extend the reflected rays back to find the image position.
• What is the significance of the direction arrows in a ray diagram?

  They show the direction of the incident and reflected rays
• How does the wavelength of a wave affect its interaction with materials?

  It influences whether the wave is transmitted, absorbed, or reflected
• If a wave is reflected off a mirror, what can you say about the angles involved?

  The angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence