PhysicsLAB Worksheet
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Matching.
 
Match the correct definition to each word.
1. diffraction
 

2. refraction
 

3. reflection
 

4. interference
 

5. central maximum
 

6. ray
 

7. wavefront
 

8. normal
 

9. interface
 

  1. a vector which shows the direction in which a wavefront is moving
  2. this middle antinode in a two-point interference pattern divides it into two symmetric halves
  3. a collection of in-phase points
  4. the boundary between two mediums
  5. the bending of a wavefront resulting from a change in medium
  6. a waveform pattern representing the superposition of two or more component waveforms
  7. the bending of a wavefront through an opening or around an obstacle
  8. the bouncing of a wave off of an interface back into its original medium
  9. a line which is perpendicular to a surface
Law of Reflection Diagram.
 
 
 
 
Which letter represents the incident wavefronts? 

Which letter represents the reflected ray? 

Which letter represents the normal? 

Which letter represents the angle of incidence? 

Which letter represents the interface? 

How many degrees are ALWAYS in the angle between a ray and its wave front? 

How many degrees are ALWAYS in the angle between a normal and its interface? 

The angle of incidence is always ____ the angle of reflection.
 
 
Wave Phenomena Properties.
 
Check all correct answers that apply to each question.
 
1. When either circular or plane wavefronts are reflected off of a straight barrier, which of the following properties of the wave are changed?
 
2. When plane waves are reflected off of a parabolic barrier, which of the following properties of the wave are changed?
 
3. When plane waves are diffracted through an opening, in which the same medium is on either side, which of the following properties of the wave are changed?
 
4. When plane waves are refracted across an oblique (slanted or angled) interface, which of the following properties of the wave are changed?
 
5a. When two in-phase point sources remain at the same frequency but are moved further apart, does the amount of interference increase or decrease?
 
5b.  When two in-phase point sources remain at the same frequency but are moved further apart, do their antinodes become wider or narrower?
 
6a. As the size of a large opening or obstacle within a medium deceases to the size of one wavelength, does the amount of diffraction increase or decrease?
 
6b. Does your previous answer mean that the "calm area or shadow" behind the opening or obstacle should increase or decrease?
 
7a. When a plane wave "bends away from the normal," does that mean that it has entered a slower or faster medium?
 
7b. Does its wavelength increase or decrease to accommodate this change?
 
7c. What happens to its frequency when a plane wave "bends away from the normal?"
 
8a. When two in-phase point sources remain at the same separation but gradually decrease their frequency of vibration, does the amount of interference increase or decrease?
 
8b. Do the antinodes become wider or narrower?
 
9a. In a video, or diagram, the wavelength is represented by the ____ between two adjacent in-phase wavefronts. 

9b. The frequency is represented by the ____ of wavefronts. 

9c. If the wave speed is held constant, when the wavelength decreases, the frequency ____. 

 
Rippletank Pictures.
 
1. In this diagram, which letter labels the back of the reflected wavefront?



 
2. In this diagram, if the wave is generated at the focus of the parabolic barrier, which letter labels the back of the reflected wavefront?



 
3. In this diagram, which letter labels the extensive calm area behind the barrier showing that very little diffraction has occurred?



 
4. In this diagram, which letter labels the extensive calm area behind the barrier showing that very little diffraction has occured?


 
5. In this diagram, which letter labels the refracted waves?


 
Are these waves traveling through a faster or slower medium as compared to the original waves?

 
6. In this diagram, which letter labels the diffracted waves behind the barrier?




 

7. In this diagram, which letter(s) label(s) the antinode A1?
 
Which letter(s) label(s) the nodal region, N2?
 



 
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