The common name for the reflection of a sound wave is an echo. This phenomenon occurs when sound waves collide with an object and are reflected back. The law of reflection states that waves, including sound waves, reflect off objects and surfaces at the same angle at which they strike the surface, given the surface is smooth relative to the wavelength of the sound. For example, if you stand near a large, flat surface like a cliff and shout, the sound waves from your voice travel towards the cliff, hit it, and then bounce back to you, allowing you to hear an echo of your original shout.
Reflection is not only applicable to sound but also to light and water waves. It's a crucial concept in the study of waves and allows us to understand how wave energy behaves when it encounters different surfaces, whether those are the open ends of tubes or large outdoor structures. This property of waves is not only fascinating but also useful in various applications, such as sonar and architectural acoustics.
An echo is the reflection of sound waves caused by the sound traveling to a surface and bouncing back. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This phenomenon allows us to hear the sound after a brief delay when it reflects off a solid object.
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