What is what does it mean for a wave to be reflected?

When a wave is reflected, it means the wave bounces off a boundary or an obstacle and changes direction, returning into the medium from which it originated. This happens when the wave encounters a surface or interface between two different media where there is a change in <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/wave%20impedance">wave impedance</a>.

Key aspects of wave reflection include:

• Angle of Incidence and Reflection: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/angle%20of%20incidence">angle of incidence</a> (the angle between the incoming wave and the normal to the surface) is equal to the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/angle%20of%20reflection">angle of reflection</a> (the angle between the reflected wave and the normal to the surface).

• Type of Reflection: Reflection can be specular (mirror-like, from a smooth surface) or diffuse (scattered in many directions, from a rough surface).

• Phase Change: Depending on the properties of the media, the wave may undergo a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/phase%20shift">phase shift</a> upon reflection. For example, when a wave reflects off a denser medium, it often experiences a 180-degree phase change.

• Energy Conservation: Ideally, the total <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/energy%20of%20a%20wave">energy of the wave</a> is conserved during reflection. However, in reality, some energy might be absorbed or transmitted.

Reflection is a fundamental phenomenon observed in various types of waves, including <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/electromagnetic%20waves">electromagnetic waves</a> (light, radio waves), sound waves, and water waves.