Wave reflection occurs when a wave strikes a boundary between two media and changes direction, bouncing back into the original medium.

Law of Reflection

Waves follow the law of reflection, where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection relative to a perpendicular line at the boundary. This applies to all wave types, such as light, sound, and water waves.

Types of Reflection

• At a fixed end or rigid boundary, the reflected wave undergoes a 180-degree phase change, inverting crests to troughs.

• At a free or open end, reflection occurs without phase inversion.

Some energy may transmit or absorb during reflection, depending on the media mismatch. Everyday examples include echoes from sound waves and images in mirrors from light waves.