211,836 views
41 votes
41 votes
What is the difference between a reflected and a diffracted sound wave?

User Akilan Manivannan
by
2.4k points

1 Answer

15 votes
15 votes

Answer:

Diffraction involves a change in direction of waves as they pass through an opening or around a barrier in their path.

Reflection involves a change in direction of waves when they bounce off a barrier; refraction of waves involves a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another

Step-by-step explanation:

If we use water waves as an example, waves hitting shallower water at an angle will slow down and change direction slightly. That is refraction

Waves hitting an island will bend and eventually close in on the "shadow" of the island. That is diffraction

User Pradeepchhetri
by
2.1k points