Unit: Waves
Year: 1997 Question#: 43
Question: The diagram below shows straight wave fronts passing through an opening in a barrier.
The wave phenomenon is called
(1 ) Reflection
(2 ) Refraction
(3 ) Polarization
(4 ) Diffraction
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Raphael D
[ Return to question menu ]
Answer 1
Reflection
Incorrect
The waves do not get reflected back to the source therefore this is not an example of reflection. return to top
Answer 2
Refraction
INCORRECT
Refraction is the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium. This wave is not entering a new medium and the wave is not bent in it's direction. return to top
Answer 3
Polarization
INCORRECT
Polarization is the filtering out of all vibrations in a transverse wave, such as a light wave, that are not in a given direction. No vibrations are being filtered out in this diagram so it is not an example of polarization. return to top
Answer 4
Diffraction
CORRECT
Diffraction is the correct answer because as the waves hit the wall and go through the hole they get diffracted and spread out from the point they went through less intense then when they hit the wall. return to top
What's this question really asking?
What is it called when a wave goes through a hole in a wall and spreads out behind it less intense than when it hit the wall? return to top
