What term refers to the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two media such that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated?

What term refers to the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two media such that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated?

• A. Reflect
• B. Refract
• C. Diffract
• D. Transmit

Answer: (A)

Reflection is the term for the change in direction of a wavefront when it hits a boundary and returns into the original medium. When the boundary is smooth, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, which is why mirrors produce clear images. This is distinct from refraction, where the wave crosses into the second medium and bends due to the speed change; diffraction, which is bending around obstacles or through openings; and transmission, which simply means the wave passes into the other medium.

Reflection is the term for the change in direction of a wavefront when it hits a boundary and returns into the original medium. When the boundary is smooth, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, which is why mirrors produce clear images. This is distinct from refraction, where the wave crosses into the second medium and bends due to the speed change; diffraction, which is bending around obstacles or through openings; and transmission, which simply means the wave passes into the other medium.