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Reflection is when a wave of light bounces away from the material, depending on the material it may maintain its strength. However absorbtion is when the beam of light hits a material and does not bounce back.

To explain why light does not bounce back (becomes absorbed) you will need to know about the colour spectrum. A wave of white light contains, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. Certain coloured materials will absorb and reflect certain colours of the colour spectum. So say we aim our wave of light at a black filter. Black will absorb every colour in the colour spectum, thus not allowing for any reflection.

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What is the difference of absorption and reflection of sound?

Absorption of sound refers to when sound waves are absorbed by a material and converted to heat energy, reducing sound intensity. Reflection of sound occurs when sound waves hit a surface and bounce back, maintaining the sound intensity in the environment.


How does absorption reflection and refraction change the movement of P waves?

Absorption, reflection and refraction will all change of the movement of P waves. Absorption will reduce the energy of the waves. Reflection will bounce the waves back. Refraction will change the angle of the waves based on what they are bouncing off of.


Is there a difference between reflection and scattering?

Yes, there is a difference between reflection and scattering. Reflection is the process where light or other waves bounce off a surface in a consistent angle, like a mirror. Scattering, on the other hand, is when light or waves bounce off in different directions due to interactions with the surface or particles.


How do absorption and reflection relate to one another in the context of light and sound waves?

Absorption and reflection are two ways in which light and sound waves interact with surfaces. Absorption occurs when waves are taken in by a material, converting their energy into heat. Reflection, on the other hand, happens when waves bounce off a surface without being absorbed. In the context of light and sound waves, absorption and reflection are related in that they both affect how waves behave when they encounter different materials or surfaces.


How is reflection different from absorption?

The amount of light reflected depends on the smoothness of the surface --smooth reflects better than rough. The amount absorbed depends on the colorof the surface -- dark colors absorb better than light; flat black absorbsbest of all.Also, the angle at which the light strikes the object has an effect on theamount absorbed and/or reflected. If the rays strike the surface straightdown at a 90 degree angle, absorption is favored and reflection less favored.If the light strikes the surface at a low angle, reflection is favored overabsorption.However, the interplay of these factors and the composition of the surfacecan complicate things greatly. Consider also the difference between a black(or white) car and a black (or white) bath towel -- or the difference betweena glass mirror and a piece of glass covered with a film of flat black soot.Finally, large differences can occur if the light can penetrate into thesurface. The greater the penetration, the less the reflection and the morethe absorption.http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/phy00/phy00232.htm

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