Difference between revisions of "Interface"
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: [[Wave]]s can be [[transmitted]] (and [[refracted]]), [[reflected]] or [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] at the [[interface]] between two [[medium|media]]. | : [[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]]. | : 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. | + | : 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 [[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]]. | : When a [[wave]] is [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] the [[energy]] is [[Energy Transfer|transferred]] into the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy store]] of a [[material]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 08:17, 19 February 2019
Key Stage 4
Meaning
An interface is the place where two different materials or media meet.
About Interfaces
- The interface between two media can have an effect on waves travelling through it.
- Waves can be transmitted (and refracted), reflected or absorbed at the interface between two media.
- The effect of an interface on a wave depends upon the relative properties of two media including density and 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 causes refraction in which the wave changes direction. The degree of refraction of the wave depends upon the 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 of the two media is large. The wave bounces off the interface following the law of reflection.
- When a wave is absorbed the energy is transferred into the thermal energy store of a material.