Waves change speed when they cross a boundary between different substances. The wavelength also changes but the frequency stays the same.
1 of 8
What kind of waves is refraction a property of?
Refraction is a property of all waves, including light and sound. For Example, a light ray refracts when it crosses a boundary between two substances such as air and glass or air and water
2 of 8
What does the change in the speed of waves cause?
The change in the speed of waves causes a change in direction
3 of 8
When does the ray change direction towards the normal?
The ray changes direction towards the normal when light enters a denser substance E.g. air to glass
4 of 8
When does the ray change direction away from the normal?
The ray changes direction away from the normal when light enters a less dense substance. E.g. glass to air
5 of 8
What happens when the wave is travelling along a normal?
If a wave is travelling along a normal, it will not change direction
6 of 8
Do all colours of light have the same wavelengths?
Different colours of light have different wavelengths and therefore are refracted by slightly different amounts.
7 of 8
What is dispersion?
Dispersion is the separation of white light into colours or of any radiation according to wavelength
8 of 8
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What kind of waves is refraction a property of?
Back
Refraction is a property of all waves, including light and sound. For Example, a light ray refracts when it crosses a boundary between two substances such as air and glass or air and water
Card 3
Front
What does the change in the speed of waves cause?
Back
Card 4
Front
When does the ray change direction towards the normal?
Back
Card 5
Front
When does the ray change direction away from the normal?
Comments
No comments have yet been made