4.

5 Wave Properties
Reflection, refraction and transmission of waves
4.5.1

Describe the reflection and transmission of waves at a boundary between two

media.

Fixed end

Free end

incident

reflected

4.5.2

State and apply Snells law.

If the indices of refraction of the media are n 1 and n2, and the angle of
incidence 1 and refraction 2 are measured relative to the normal, then
n1sin 1 = n2sin 2
assuming both rays and the normal are in the same plane.

4.5.3

Explain and discuss qualitatively the diffraction of waves at apertures and

obstacles.
Wavelength < aperture

Wavelength > aperture

Negligible diffraction

Wavelength < obstacle

Wave is
spreading

Wavelength > obstacle

No wave
here

4.5.4

Describe examples of diffraction.

4.5.5

Water waves, sound waves around corners, etc.

State the principle of superposition and explain what is meant by constructive

interference and by destructive interference.

Principle of Superposition: When two or more waves pass the same point,
the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves, and after passing, the
waves continue along their paths as if no encounter has occurred

4.5.6

State and apply the conditions for constructive and for destructive interference
in terms of path difference and phase difference.

4.5.7

Apply the principle of superposition to determine the resultant of two waves.

Sum of displacements: