6.2 REFLECTIONOF 6.

2 REFLECTIONOF
WAVES
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Describe reflection of waves in terms
of the angle of incidence, angle of
reflection, wavelength, frequency,
speed and direction of propagation
Describe reflection of waves in terms
of the angle of incidence, angle of
reflection, wavelength, frequency,
speed and direction of propagation speed and direction of propagation
Drawa diagramto showreflection of
waves
speed and direction of propagation
Drawa diagramto showreflection of
waves
Reflection of Waves
When sea waves move towards the beach and
hit a boulder, the waves will be reflected.
What is Reflection of Waves?
Reflection of waves occurs when a
wave strikes an obstacle.
The wave undergoes a change in
direction of propagation when it is
reflected
Incident wave: the wave before it
strikes the obstacle
Reflected waves: the wave which has
undergone a change in direction of
propagation after reflection. propagation after reflection.
i = angle of incident the angle
between the incident wave and the
normal line.
r = angle of reflection the angle
between the reflected waves and the
normal line.
Lawof Reflection
The angle of incidence, i is equal to
the angle of reflection, r
Reflection of plane water waves
in a ripple tank
Set up a ripple tank.
Switch on the motor
to set the vibrating.
Increase the
frequency of the
waves by increasing waves by increasing
the voltage power
supply to the motor.
Observe the reflected
wave by using a
stroboscope.
Draw a diagram to show reflection of waves.
Discussion
What is the relationship between the
angle of incidence and the angle of
reflection when water waves are reflected
by a straight reflector?
The angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection. angle of reflection.
When the water waves with a wavelength
move towards a straight reflector, what is
the wavelength of the reflected waves?
Wavelength of the incident waves is equal
to the wavelength of the reflected waves.
Discussion
When the frequency of the vibrating bar of the
ripple tank is reduced,
(i) What will happen to the wavelength, , of
the incident waves?
increase increase
(ii) Will the velocity of the water waves
change? Explain your answer.
Velocity does not change. The depth of the
water is the same.
Conclusion
The wave undergoes a change in
direction of propagation when it is
reflected.
The frequency, wavelength and speed The frequency, wavelength and speed
remain the same after reflection.