{"id":2552,"date":"2020-09-04T23:48:37","date_gmt":"2020-09-05T04:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/?p=2552"},"modified":"2020-09-04T23:48:37","modified_gmt":"2020-09-05T04:48:37","slug":"how-do-waves-change-directionexplanation-and-resources-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/how-do-waves-change-directionexplanation-and-resources-available\/","title":{"rendered":"How do Waves Change Direction?<\/br>Explanation and Resources Available"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waves can change directions in three different ways: reflection, refraction, and diffraction.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reflection<\/h3>\n
What is reflection?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Reflection is the change in direction of a wave between two different objects such that the wave returns to the medium from which it began. In other words, the waves are sent back towards the source. Sound waves, light waves, and water waves can all be reflected.<\/p>\n

\"\"
NCS Pearson<\/a> \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the image, you can see that reflection is described by a few key terms:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Incident Ray<\/strong> – the wave\/ray traveling towards a surface<\/li>\n
  • Angle of Incidence<\/strong> – the angle at which the traveling wave\/ray hits a surface<\/li>\n
  • Equal (or Normal)<\/strong> – divides the two rays (incident \/ reflected) into two equal angles<\/li>\n
  • Angle of Reflection<\/strong> – the angle at which the reflected wave returns towards the original medium<\/li>\n
  • Reflected Ray<\/strong> – the wave\/traveling away from the “hit” surface, and now traveling towards the original medium<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Youtube Video showing incident rays and reflected rays:
    \n