Wave Interactions & Wavelength (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Revision Note

Wave Interactions & Wavelength

Higher Tier Only

• When waves move from one substance to another the waves might be:

  • Transmitted

  • Absorbed

  • Reflected

  • Refracted

When waves move from one medium to another they can be transmitted, reflected, refracted or absorbed

• Materials interact differently with waves depending on their wavelength

• Whilst some wavelengths might be transmitted, others might be reflected, refracted or absorbed

• For example, glass will:

  • Transmit and/or refract visible light

  • Absorb UV radiation

  • Reflect IR radiation