Physics Review Question

Unit: waves
Year: 1989 Question#: 46
Question:
Which phenomenon must occur when two or more waves pass simultaneously through the same region in a medium.
(1 ) refraction
(2 ) interference
(3 ) dispersion
(4 ) reflection

What is this question really asking?


Explanation by: Jill S

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Answer 1
refraction

INCORRECT
Refraction is the wrong answer simply by the definition: the bending of the path of a ray when it passes obliquely from one medium to another of different optical density. return to top














Answer 2
interference

CORRECT

Interference is when regions of constructive and destructive interference that are present in a medium as a result of the combination of two or more waves. Because of the definition of interference choice 2 is the correct answer.
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Answer 3
dispersion

INCORRECT

Dispersion is the separation of polychromatic light into its individual colors. Because of the definition of dispersion it is not the correct answer. return to top

















Answer 4
reflection

INCORRECT

Because of the definition of reflection it is not the correct answer to the problem. Reflection is the act of throwing or bending back (light for example) from a surface.


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What's this question really asking?
What happens to two waves when they come together in the same place?
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