Refraction of Waves

 
5.4  Refraction of Waves
 

Waves change the speed of their movement as they travel from medium to medium of varying density.

 

(1) Water waves propagate from deep to shallow areas

Source: slideshare

 
  Deep area Shallow area

Frequency\(f\)

Unchanged Unchanged

Velocity\(v\)

High Low

Wavelength\(\lambda\)

Long Short
 
 

(2) Water waves flow from shallow to deep areas

Source: slideshare

 
  Shallow area Deep area

Frequency\(f\)

Unchanged Unchanged

Velocity\(v\)

Low High

Wavelength\(\lambda\)

Short Long