Changing Wave Motion
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.2.1
Changing Wave Motion
A wave’s direction of motion can be changed in the following ways. All waves (including electromagnetic and sound waves) can be changed by these processes.
Refraction
- A wave’s speed can change when moving from one medium to another.
- If the wave crosses to the new medium at an angle (not 90 degrees), the change in the wave’s speed will cause the direction of the wave’s motion to change and the wave will appear to bend.
- This is called refraction.
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Reflection
- Reflection happens when a wave hits a flat surface (plane) and bounces off.
Test yourself on Changing Wave Motion
Which of these are ways in which a wave’s direction of motion can be changed?
In what ways can the motion of waves be changed?