The reflection of a wave happens whenever it encounters an obstacle. When this occurs, the incident wave undergoes reflection, which gives rise to the reflected wave.
To analyze the reflection of waves it is necessary to know its definition.
Waves are caused by disturbances that propagate in space or in any medium, for example, in water.
They are responsible for transferring energy from one medium to another.
Wave Reflection Wave
reflection will happen whenever it encounters an obstacle. When this happens, the incident wave will be reflected, which will give rise to the reflected wave.
As there are several types of waves (mechanical, electromagnetic, transverse and longitudinal), reflection can happen with any of them.
Echo
Echo is an example of sound wave reflections.
The echo occurs when the direct and reflected sounds are received in a time interval greater than 0.1 second, thus allowing a distinct perception of the sounds.
To hear the echo of one’s own voice, it is necessary to be at least 17 meters away from the object that will reflect this echo.
Other examples of wave reflection:
- Reflection of waves in lakes – when you throw something into the water, a disturbance occurs that generates the waves. These, in turn, propagate along the surface of the water until they find an obstacle where they can reflect.
- Mirages – distorted image of an object located on the horizon caused by the reflection of light.
- Darkening of bodies when wet – an example is when water reflects off the asphalt after a rain.
There are several other types of examples of reflection of a wave, but all those mentioned and those not mentioned have the same definition: for there to be reflection, there must be an obstacle, in order to originate the reflected wave.
