The discussion centers around the relationship between reflection and refraction as described by Snell's Law, particularly in the context of mechanical waves in geological exploration. Participants explore whether reflection occurs when the angle of incidence is less than or equal to the Critical Angle, and how this might differ for various types of waves.
Participants express differing views on whether reflection occurs alongside refraction in the case of mechanical waves, with some asserting reflection is always present while others question the conditions under which this holds true. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of reflection in the context of mechanical waves.
Participants note the distinction between longitudinal and transverse waves and the potential implications for reflection and refraction, but do not resolve how these factors interact with Snell's Law in practical scenarios.
Hi Seismic101.Seismic101 said:
NascentOxygen said:Hi Seismic101.
Reflection like you see from a train window pane at night?
In optics, when a ray of light hits an interface between two different media, reflection will always take place except for when the incident angle is equal to the Brewster angle and the incoming polarization lies in the incident plane. Since, the wave you are dealing with is of longitudinal waves where polarization is not relevant, I presume reflection will always take place regardless of any condition of the system.Seismic101 said:
The vibrations (mechanical waves) we send into the Earth can be longitudinal (particle motion in the direction of wave propagation) or transverse (particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation).blue_leaf77 said:
Do you think this is true for any medium/ wave type? In other words, do you think there is a Brewster angle in the case of mechanical waves propagating through Earth layers?blue_leaf77 said: