Reflection of Waves

Reflection of waves occurs when a wave strikes a

reflector. The wave undergoes a change in direction
of propagation when it is reflected.
The incident wave is the wave before it strikes the
reflector and the reflected wave is the wave which
undergoes a change in direction of propagation.

Characteristics of Reflection of Waves

(a) Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection
(b) The incident wave, the reflected wave and the
normal all lie in the same plane perpendicular to
the reflecting surface.
(c) Wavelength of incident wave = Wavelength of
reflected waves
(d) Frequency of incident wave = Frequency of
reflected waves
(e) Speed of incident wave = Speed of reflected
waves, but in different directions

Pattern of Reflected Plane Waves

(a) Plane wave approaches a plane reflector normally

Pattern of Reflected Plane Waves

(b) Plane waves approach a plane reflector at an
angle

Pattern of Reflected Plane Waves

(c) Plane wave approaches a concave reflector

Pattern of Reflected Plane Waves

(d) Plane wave incident on a convex reflector

Pattern of Reflected Circular Waves

(a) Circular wave incident on a plane reflector

The reflected wave diverges as if from image point P'.

Pattern of Reflected Circular Waves

(b) Circular wave incident on a concave surface

Circular wave is reflected as plane wave.

Pattern of Reflected Circular Waves

(c) Circular wave from centre C approaches a
concave reflector

Circular wave from centre of curvature, C, converges

back at C after reflection.

Pattern of Reflected Circular Waves

(d) Circular wave approaches a convex reflector

The reflected wave diverges as if from image point P'.

Note:
When drawing diagrams of reflected wave,
(a) Draw the direction of propagation first.
(b) Draw the normal to the reflector.
(c) Incident angle = Reflected angle.
(d) Incident wavelength = Reflected wavelength