Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics study guide
Waves Study Guide
Review study guide for Waves in Edexcel Physics.
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Waves
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Wave Refraction at a Boundary
When a wave travels from one medium into another, it crosses a boundary. If the wave reaches the boundary at an angle, its speed will change as it enters the new medium. This change in speed causes the wave to change direction, an effect kn
When a wave travels from one medium into another, it crosses a boundary. If the wave reaches the boundary at an angle, its speed will change as it enters the new medium. This change in speed causes the wave to change direction, an effect known as refraction. The extent to which the wave bends depends on the angle at which it approaches the boundary and the difference in wave speed between the two media. For example, light waves slow down when entering a denser medium like glass or water from air, causing them to bend towards the normal.
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