MadSci Network: Physics (View this file without Frames)

Subject: Pi phase change on reflection?

Date: Thu Apr 9 11:05:16 1998
Posted by Adam Chan
Grade level: undergrad
School: TWGSS
City: HK State/Province: No state entered. Country: China


Why does a wave undergo pi-phase change (i.e. a phase change of 180 
degrees) when it is reflected by a DENSER medium, but NOT a LESS DENSE
medium? And generally, under what situation does a wave undergo a pi
phase change?

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