Key Stage 3 (KS3) Waves Practice Test

Reflection in wave behavior refers to the phenomenon where a wave bounces back after it encounters a barrier or an obstacle. This occurs when the wave encounters a surface that it cannot pass through, resulting in a change in direction of the wave. For instance, when light waves hit a mirror, they reflect, allowing us to see our image. Similarly, sound waves can reflect off surfaces, which is why you may hear an echo in a large empty space. Reflection is an essential concept in understanding how waves interact with various surfaces and boundaries.

The other options describe different behaviors of waves. Spreading out in all directions pertains to diffraction, which occurs when waves pass through a narrow opening or around a barrier. Passing from one medium to another is called refraction, which involves a change in speed and direction of the wave due to changes in medium properties. Absorption describes the process where a wave's energy is taken in by a material rather than being reflected or transmitted. These terms represent distinct wave behaviors that do not encompass the concept of reflection.