MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Subject: In the absence of any particles, can an EM wave reflect another EM wave?

Date: Wed Oct 13 09:28:22 1999
Posted by Chris Neale
Grade level: undergrad School: University of Waterloo
City: Waterloo State/Province: ON Country: Canada
Area of science: Physics
ID: 939821302.Ph
Message:

My Question 939318988.Ph was rejected since a similar sounding question is 
in your database.  I understand your wish to save resources.  To this end, 
I searched extensively before asking the question.  Perhaps my question 
lacked clarity; I appologize.

I am not interested in standing waves or interference.

When a wave hits a mirror at 30 degrees, it is reflected at 150 degrees.  
The wave is reflected in a very particular way.  Other solid mater can 
reflect light in a manner that is dependant on the angle of incidence.

Is there any way that light can reflect light in a manner that is 
dependant on the angle of incidence?

EM waves pass through each other without any directly effect.  It is this 
transparent quality of waves that allows standing waves and interference.  

But what about a wave reflecting from another wave?

When two waves share some common space, do they always pass through each 
other?  Can the presence of a second wave change the direction of 
propagation of the first wave?

Thank you again.


Re: In the absence of any particles, can an EM wave reflect another EM wave?

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