Name __________________________
Waves LT2 Study Guide KEY
1. What types of media can waves move through?
Air, water, glass, plastic, a vacuum (like in outer space)...waves can move through pretty much anything.
2. Describe reflection. Give an example.
Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off of an object. Example: seeing your reflection in a mirror or hearing an echo.
3. Describe refraction. Give an example.
Refraction occurs when a wave enters a different medium with a different density, and it causes the wavelength and
frequency to change. It makes the wave look like it bends. Example: a pencil in a glass of water, a bent piece of plexi
glass that makes your image look distorted.
4. Describe diffraction. Give an example.
Diffraction occurs when a wave is trapped in a location and must exit through a hole or travel around an obstacle.
Example: talking loudly behind a barrier or people talking loudly in a room and the noise escaping through an open door.
5. How does light generally travel?
In a straight line until it meets a barrier or a medium with a different density.
6. Do all colors reflect/absorb light equally? How do you know?
No. Dark colors, especially black, absorbs light more than light colors. If you walk barefoot on light colored concrete in
the summer, your feet will not burn, but if you step on dark colored blacktop, you will burn your feet.
7. If light travels through a different media and is NOT bent but is able to travel straight through, is this still
refraction?
No. This would be TRANSMISSION. It is only considered refraction if the light wave bends and makes the image look
distorted.