Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction

Waves can and do meet boundaries in their medium. When a wave meets a boundary,
it can be reflected or transmitted. Reflection can be partial or complete. Reflection can
also involve a phase flip (change of phase of 180 degrees.)

Transmitted waves are refracted or diffracted:

Refraction occurs when a wave crosses a boundary from one medium to

another. A wave entering a medium at an angle will change direction.
Diffraction refers to the "bending of waves around an edge" of an object.
Diffraction depends on the size of the object relative to the wavelength of the
wave.

All these phenomena apply to electromagnetic waves, such as light waves, as well as
to pressure waves and water waves.

Diffraction is when a wave goes through a small hole and has a flared out
geometric shadow of the slit. Diffraction is a characteristic of waves of all
types. We can hear around a corner because of the diffraction of sound
waves. For instance, if a wall is next to you when you yell, the sound will
parallel the wall. The wall may stop, but the voice doesn't; sound will almost
turn the corner of the wall. This is diffraction.

Reflection is when waves, whether physical or electromagnetic, bounce from

a surface back toward the source. A mirror reflects the image of the observer.

Refraction is when waves, whether physical or electromagnetic, are deflected

when the waves go through a substance. The wave generally changes the
angle of its general direction.