Why Are Waves Reflected?

Reflection occurs when there is a bouncing off of a barrier. Reflection of waves off straight barriers follows the law of reflection. Reflection of waves off parabolic barriers results in the convergence of the waves at a focal point.

What does it mean for a wave to be reflected?

Reflection, abrupt change in the direction of propagation of a wave that strikes the boundary between different mediums. At least part of the oncoming wave disturbance remains in the same medium.

What causes waves to reflect and refract?

Waves change speed when they pass across the boundary between two different substances, such as light waves refracting when they pass from air to glass. This causes them to change direction and this effect is called refraction. Water waves refract when they travel from deep water to shallow water (or vice versa).