Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What happens during reflection of waves?

1. Waves pass through another medium

2. Waves bend at angles

3. Waves bounce off a barrier

4. Waves lose energy

The correct answer is: Waves bounce off a barrier

During the reflection of waves, they encounter a barrier or surface and bounce off it, changing their direction without altering their speed or wavelength in the original medium. This phenomenon is applicable to various types of waves, including sound waves, light waves, and water waves. For instance, when light hits a mirror, it reflects back, allowing us to see our image. Reflection is governed by the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the incoming wave strikes the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which it leaves). In contrast, options that suggest passing through another medium, bending at angles, or losing energy describe different wave behaviors such as refraction and absorption. Refraction occurs when waves travel into a new medium, bending due to a change in speed. Energy loss typically takes place due to absorption or scattering rather than reflection itself. Thus, the correct understanding of reflection is that it involves the bouncing off of waves from a barrier, which is consistent with choice C.