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SOUND 2. The reflection, refraction and diffraction of sound waves explained using a longitudinal sound wave model Doc Brown's Physics exam study revision notes INDEX of physics notes on SOUND 2. The reflection, refraction and diffraction of sound waves and a sound wave model (a) Reflection of sound waves
A flat hard smooth surface is the best reflector of sound waves - think of echoes (reflected sounds) that permeate an empty house with no carpets laid down. A soft rough surface is the best absorber of sound wave energy - the idea is used in recording studios to minimise unwanted sounds and in ear muffs to protect you from ear damage due to very loud sounds. In reflection there is no change in speed, frequency or wavelength, only the direction of movement of the wave changes.
(b) Refraction of sound waves (above right diagram, same diagram as wavefronts in reflection) When waves, including sound, meet a boundary between two mediums, through which they can pass, there is a change in speed related to the difference in density.
BUT, if the incident angle is NOT 90o, at the same time as reflection, and the sound waves can penetrate the 2nd medium of different density at a boundary, the wave will change speed, wavelength and direction, but no change in frequency.
Although they are longitudinal sound waves, this is normal wave behaviour just as you see with experiments with transverse light waves or water waves.
(c) Diffraction of sound waves
Diffraction is the effect of waves spreading out when passing through a gap or passing by a barrier. In effect, waves bend round corners into the 'shadow zone'! and it doesn't matter if its sound, light or water waves - they all diffract and bend round corners! You should appreciate that significant diffraction of sound waves only occurs when the wavelength of the sound wave is of the same order of magnitude as the size of the gap or obstacle. A: There is a relatively small diffraction effect when sound waves pass through a wide gap that is much bigger than the wavelength of the sound wave - but the sound waves still bend round the 'corners' into the 'shadow zones'. B: You get the maximum spreading or diffraction when the waves pass through a gap of similar size to the wavelength of the incident sound waves.
INDEX of physics notes on SOUND Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for sound waves
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When sound waves meet a barrier between two
different media they can be
reflected just like any other wave (diagram of wavefronts on the right). The angle of
incidence will equal the angle of reflection (with respect to the normal at 90o
to the boundary). Any solid surface will reflect sound, though soft material
will tend to absorb the sound wave energy. 
