What is sound wave refraction and how do speed and frequency affect it?

AI Thread Summary
Sound wave refraction occurs when different parts of a wave front travel at varying speeds, leading to changes in direction. This phenomenon is distinct from reflection, where sound bounces off surfaces, and dispersion, which involves different frequencies traveling at different speeds. A diagram illustrates how points on a wavefront, such as A and B, travel different distances during refraction. The discussion confirms that the correct answer to the initial question about sound wave refraction is that different parts of a wave front travel at different speeds. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping how sound behaves in various environments.
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Refraction of sound is a term that refers to the fact that...

A. sound bounces off a smooth surface just as light bounces off a mirror.
B. different parts of a wave front travel at different speeds.
C. different frequencies of sound waves travel at different speeds.
D. sound waves only contain a fraction of the total energy emitted by the source.


3. I think the answer is B, but I'm looking for some clarification. Thanks
 
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The answer is B.
Answer A is reflection and answer C is dispersion.
In this diagram, the wavefront is AB moving to CD
In a time t, point A travels AC, point B travels BD
BD is a greater distance than AC.
Different points on the wavefront travel at different speeds when refraction takes place.
http://www.iop.org/activity/education/Projects/Teaching%20Advanced%20Physics/Vibrations%20and%20Waves/Images%20300/img_mid_4455.gif
 
Thank you very very much! :smile:
 

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