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: [[Wave]]s can be [[transmitted]] (and [[refracted]]), [[reflected]] or [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] at the [[interface]] between two [[medium|media]].
: The effect of an [[interface]] on a [[wave]] depends upon the relative [[property|properties]] of two [[media]] including [[density]] and [[Refractive Index|refractive index]].
: When a [[wave]] is [[transmitted]] from one [[medium]] into another it changes [[speed]] and [[wavelength]] but it's [[frequency]] remains constant. The change in [[Wave Speed|wave speed]] causes [[refraction]] in which the [[wave]] changes direction. The degree of [[refraction]] of the [[wave]] depends upon the [[Angle of Incidence|angle of incidence]] that the [[wave]] strikes the [[interface]].
: When a [[wave]] is [[reflected]] form a surface this is because the difference between [[density]] or [[Refractive Index|refractive index]] of the two [[media]] is large. The [[wave]] bounces off the [[interface]] following the [[Law of Reflection|law of reflection]].
: When a [[wave]] is [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] the [[energy]] is [[Energy Transfer|transferred]] into the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy store]] of a [[material]].