Describe the difference between reflection and refraction (assume the mediums have smooth surfaces)
Reflection: a wave hits a surface, and bounces back into the medium it was originaly in
Refraction: a wave enters a medium with a different refractive index to the original medium it was travelling in, at an angle different to the normal (90 degreees to surface). This changes the wave speed and wavelength, and therefore directon of the wave
The differences: in refraction the wave enters the medium, whilst in reflection the wave stays in the same medium. In reflection the wave properties stay the same, whilst the wave speed and wavelength change in refraction
AB
Related Physics GCSE answers
All answers ▸When the current through an ohmic conductor is 2A, the potential difference across it is 6V. What is the potential difference across the same ohmic conductor when the current is increased to 3A?
How to use fleming's left hand rule.
A simple circuit contains a battery rated at 12V, connected in series to a filament lamp with a resistance of 3 ohms. What current flows through the filament lamp?
How do you calculate the specific heat capacity of a substance?