Reflection, refraction, diffraction and polarisation

Question 1

Refraction

Answer 1

When a wave changes direction due to chnaging medium through which it is travelling through

Question 2

Diffraction

Answer 2

When a wave “expands” to cover more area.

Higher diffraction happens when a wave’s wavelength is equal to or smaller than the gap thorugh which it passes.

Question 3

Reflection

Answer 3

When a wave hits a surface and bounces off

Question 4

Polarisation

Answer 4

Only applicable to transverse waves as they oscillate in both the electric and magnetic fields, which are normally to each other. This is because polarising a transverse wave will allow an oscillation from either field to get pass through, whereas a longitudinal wave not.

Question 5

Wave equations

Answer 5

v=fλ

c=fλ