Middle School Physical Science : Middle School Physical Science
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Example Question #211 : Middle School Physical Science
In terms of the reflection, refraction, and transmission of waves, what is a medium?
a wave that is not big or small, but middle sized
a prediction of a wave's movement
a material a wave travels through
an object that a wave cannot pass through
a material a wave travels through
a medium is a material that a wave travels through.
When waves approach objects they do not just stop or disappear. They can be reflected off the object, diffracted around the object, or transmitted through it (accompanied by refraction)! It all depends on the kind of wave, and the “medium” or type of object the wave is traveling through.
Reflection occurs when waves bounce back from a barrier they cannot pass through. An echo is an example of wave reflection. Reflection can happen with any type of waves, not just sound waves.
Refraction occurs when waves bend as they enter a new medium at an angle. For example, light bends when it passes from air to water.
Diffraction occurs when waves spread out, move around, or pass through an opening in an obstacle. All waves may be diffracted, but it is more pronounced in some types of waves than others. For example, sound waves bend around corners much more than light does. That’s why you can hear but not see around corners.
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