Final answer:
When a wave passes from one medium to another, part of the wave is transmitted into the second medium and part is reflected back into the first medium. The amplitudes of the transmitted and reflected waves depend on the properties of the media and the boundary conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a wave passes from one medium to a second medium, part of the wave is transmitted into the second medium, and part of the wave is reflected back into the first medium. The amplitudes of the transmitted and reflected waves depend on the properties of the media and the boundary conditions. In general, the greater the difference in properties between the two media, the greater the reflection and the smaller the transmission.