Explanation On Reflection of Waves

Reflection of waves is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave meets an obstacle and is reflected. The change in the wave’s direction when it strikes a surface is a reflection of the wave. The angle of incidence is when the wave arrives at the obstacle, and the angle of reflection is when the wave is reflected from the obstacle.

It can be used to calculate the distance between two points and the height of a wave above a given moment. Additionally, it can be used to determine speed and direction. We will learn more about reflection on different interfaces and the reflection of waves formula. 

Types Of Interface

The interface is of types—open and closed boundaries. 

In the case of an open boundary, the wave gets reflected and refracted when it is incident on an interface.

In the case of a closed boundary, the wave gets reflected when it is incident on an interface.

What Is A Reflection, And What Is Refraction?

Reflection is the phenomenon of a surface reflecting light off of it. It occurs when light is incident on a surface at an angle and is redirected to the eye. Reflection is a result of a surface’s specular property, which is the property that makes it reflect light in a specific direction.

On the other hand, refraction is the phenomenon of a surface bending light. When light passes through a medium and is divided into two beams. The first beam, which travels in a straight line, continues on its way while the second beam is bent due to the refractive properties of the medium. The English physicist who first described this dual-beam called it the Rayleigh beam.

Reflection On The Open Frame

The reflection of waves from boundaries (open boundary)

• The reflection at the open boundary will be without any phase change.
• In this case, a boundary pulse is generated. Hence the amplitude is maximum at the limit.
• This means that the reflected wave and the incident wave are in phase with each other. Resulting phase difference θ = 0
• Therefore, yi (x, t) = a sin (kx – wt)

By superposition, principel y = yi + yr = 2a sin (kx – wt)

Reflection On Closed Boundary

The reflection of waves from boundaries (closed boundary)

• Consider a wire that is attached to a wall at one end. When an incident wave hits a wall, it exerts a force on the wall.

• According to Newton’s third law, a wall exerts an equal and opposite force of equal magnitude on the strings.
• Since the wall is rigid, the wall does not move, so no ripples are generated at the boundary. This implies that the amplitude at the boundary is 0.
• Since both the reflected wave and the incident wave are completely out of phase at the boundary. so, θ=π
• Therefore, yi (x, t) = a sin (kx – wt),
• yr(x, t) = a sin (kx + wt + r) = -a sin (kx + wt)

By superposition, principal y = yi + yr = 0

Law Of Reflection

According to the Law of Reflection, objects in direct contact with a mirror will appear the same size as the object they reflect.

When any wave, including light, strikes an opaque surface, the light is mainly reflected off that surface. The law of reflection tells us how it bounces off that surface. When a wave moves towards the surface, it is called an ‘incident ray’. When it bends, it is called a ‘reflected ray’. If you draw a line between two rays, the law of reflection tells us that the angle of incidence is equal to that of reflection.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? As long as the mirror is flat, the picture is nice and clear, and at the right size, all your parts are in the right places. It is due to the law of reflection.

Types Of Reflection Include:

A mirror reflection: When an object is placed in front of a mirror, the image of that object is reflected. This type of reflection is seen most commonly when looking in a mirror.

A transmissive reflection occurs when light travels through a medium and is reflected. For example, this type of reflection is often seen when looking at a liquid in a glass.

A reflective surface: This reflection type is seen when an object is placed on a reflective surface. It can be a window, for example, or a shiny object like a metal spoon.

Conclusion

The reflection of waves is the phenomenon of a wave turning back on itself, resulting in the propagation of the wave in a new direction. It can be seen in the water and other liquids, where the waves constantly move forward and then suddenly turn back and move in the opposite direction. It allows us to hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore.