Transmission
Reflection
Absorption
100

Define Transmission


Transmission is the passing of light or other forms of energy through matter.

100

Define reflection

Reflection is the bouncing back of a ray of light, sound, or heat when the ray hits a surface that it does not go through.

100

What does it mean for a wave to be absorbed by a material?

its energy is taken in by the material. This energy is often converted into heat.

200

When does transmission occur?

It occurs when a wave travels across a boundary between media.

200

When does reflection occur?

It occurs when waves bounce off a boundary between two media.

200

What happens to the energy of a mechanical wave as it moves through a medium?

its energy is transferred, causing the particles in the medium to move and bump into one another. Some of the wave's energy is changed into thermal energy through friction.

300

When is energy not transmitted?

Energy is not transmitted when it is absorbed or reflected.

300

When you hear an echo, what is happening to the sound wave?

When I hear an echo the sound wave is reflecting off of the walls over and over again.

300

How does absorption affect the energy of a wave and the medium it travels through?

the medium gains energy, while the wave loses some of its energy. 

400

How does the process of a sound wave traveling through a wall differ from when it travels through the air?

The sound wave will change speed because of the new medium.

400

How does the reflection of sound help explain what you hear?

It explains how sound waves are encountering a new medium and reflecting back to us.

400

Why is some of the energy of a wave converted into thermal energy during absorption?

Because of friction between the particles in the medium. As the particles collide the energy is transferred into heat energy.

500

Imagine you're in a room with loud music playing, but you’re outside the room. What factor might influence how much of the music you can hear?

The amount of energy that is absorbed by the wall.

500

If a light wave hits a mirror at a 45° angle, what angle will it bounce off the mirror?


The light wave will bounce off the mirror at the same 45° angle because the angle of incidence is equal to the same angle of reflection.

500

What type of materials typically absorb sound waves well?


Soft, dense materials like foam, carpet, and curtains absorb sound waves well.

M
e
n
u