Describe wave interactions

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper or a browser document for a labeled drawing, table or explanation.
• Worked problem inputs: A ray enters water obliquely and bends; some energy also enters the water. Explain why one label need not describe everything.
• Assessment case 1: A ray reaches a mirror and returns toward its original side. Which directional prediction follows? Which inference or prediction is best supported?
• Assessment case 2: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Dark surface gains energy from light.
• Assessment case 3: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Light passes through clear glass.
• Assessment case 4: Which interaction describes the direction change as the ray enters the new medium? Supplied case: Ray bends crossing air into water.
• Assessment case 5: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Sound echo returns.
• Assessment case 6: A ray passes through clear glass; a small component also returns at its surface. What follows? Which inference or prediction is best supported?

Learn the idea

Reflection returns a wave at a boundary; absorption transfers wave energy to the material. Transmission passes through; refraction changes direction associated with a speed change across media.

Reflection means wave returns from a boundary. Absorption means wave energy transfers into material. Transmission means wave passes through material. Refraction means direction changes when propagation speed changes across media.

For the supplied mechanism problem, A ray enters water obliquely and bends; some energy also enters the water. Explain why one label need not describe everything. The directional change can be refraction while transmission also occurs. Reflection and absorption may also occur at a real boundary. The supplied diagram establishes only the paths and transfers shown.

1. Read the supplied problem and mark the structures, processes or quantities named: A ray enters water obliquely and bends; some energy also enters the water. Explain why one label need not describe everything.
2. Draw the relevant boundary, pathway or comparison and label it using the scientific ideas above.
3. Write a causal explanation or calculation, showing how each observation supports the result.
4. Compare your reasoning with the worked solution; name a condition that would change or limit the inference.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

New task: draw a wave arriving at glass with one reflected path and one transmitted path. Expected: both interactions may occur; label the returned and passed paths separately without claiming all energy follows one ray.

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