Final answer:
Wireless signals can experience reflection, which causes the signals to bounce back towards the source due to interaction with materials opaque to their frequency. This reflection can lead to phase changes and interfere with communication effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wireless signals may be subject to reflection, which refers to signals bouncing back to the source. This occurs when an electromagnetic wave impinges on a material that is opaque to the particular frequency of the wave, resulting in the wave being totally reflected. This can impact the effectiveness of communication systems as reflected waves can interfere with direct waves, causing differing path lengths, resulting in constructive or destructive interference.
Reflection can cause a 180° phase change, affecting how waves interfere with each other. Factors such as differing acoustic impedances between media, the transparency or opaqueness of materials, and the physical characteristics of obstacles can impact reflection. This is a crucial concept in understanding the behaviors of wireless signals and mitigating issues in radio-wave communications.