Reflection and refraction

Question 1

When a wave meets a boundary what are the three things that can happen?

Answer 1

The wave can be:
. Absorbed
. Transmitted
. Reflected

Question 2

What happens when a wave is absorbed?

Answer 2

It’s energy is transferred to the material, often causing heating.

Question 3

What happens when a wave is transmitted?

Answer 3

The wave carries on travelling through the new material. It often leads to refraction.

Question 4

What happens when a wave is reflected?

Answer 4

The incoming ray is neither absorbed nor transmitted, but is instead sent back away from the material.