Wave Interactions
There are four basic wave interactions
Reflection
Reflection: The bouncing back of a
wave after it strikes a boundary
that does not absorb the wave’s
energy.
Refraction
The bending of a wave due to a
change in speed as a wave moves
from one medium to another.
Diffraction
The bending of waves around the
edge of a barrier. Diffraction is the
result of a new series of waves being
formed when the original waves
strike a barrier.
Interference
When two or more waves arrive at
the same point at the same time,
they interact with each other.
Constructive interference results
in a larger wave.
Destructive interference
results in a smaller wave.