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SaL 1.3
Interactions of Waves
Term | Definition |
---|---|
reflection | The bouncing back of an object or a wave when it hits a surface through which it cannot pass. |
refraction | The bending of waves as they enter a new medium at an angle, caused by a change in speed. |
diffraction | The bending or spreading of waves as they move around a barrier or pass through an opening. |
interference | The interaction between waves that meet. |
constructive interference | The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with an amplitude larger than the amplitude of either of the individual waves. |
destructive interference | The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with an amplitude smaller than the amplitude of either of the individual waves. |
standing wave | A wave that appears to stand in one place, even though it is two waves interfering as they pass through each other. |
node | A point of zero amplitude on a standing wave. |
antinode | A point of maximum amplitude on a standing wave. |
resonance | The increase in the amplitude of a vibration that occurs when external vibrations match an object’s natural frequency. |