What is reflection in waves?

What is reflection in waves?

• A. Refraction is the bouncing of a wave when it hits a boundary.
• B. Reflection is the bouncing of a wave when it hits a boundary.
• C. Diffraction is the bouncing of a wave.
• D. Interference is the bouncing of a wave.

Answer: (B)

Reflection happens when a wave meets a boundary and bounces back into the original medium. On a smooth surface, the angle the incoming wave makes with the boundary (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which the reflected wave leaves (the angle of reflection). This is why mirrors work and why you can see a clear image when light hits a calm lake or a polished surface. Waves can reflect in light, sound, and water. The other terms describe different behaviors: refraction is when a wave changes direction as it enters a new medium because its speed changes; diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves around edges or through openings; interference is when two or more waves overlap and combine, reinforcing or canceling each other.

Reflection happens when a wave meets a boundary and bounces back into the original medium. On a smooth surface, the angle the incoming wave makes with the boundary (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which the reflected wave leaves (the angle of reflection). This is why mirrors work and why you can see a clear image when light hits a calm lake or a polished surface. Waves can reflect in light, sound, and water. The other terms describe different behaviors: refraction is when a wave changes direction as it enters a new medium because its speed changes; diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves around edges or through openings; interference is when two or more waves overlap and combine, reinforcing or canceling each other.