What is the term for the bending of a wave as it passes through a medium of different density?

The bending of a wave as it passes through a medium of different density is known as refraction. This phenomenon occurs because the speed of a wave changes when it moves from one medium to another that has a different density, resulting in a change in direction. For example, when light transitions from air into water, it slows down due to the higher density of water and consequently bends at the interface between the two media.

Refraction is an essential concept in various fields, including optics and telecommunications, as it underlies the behavior of waves in different environments. Understanding this principle allows technicians to predict how signals will change as they travel through different substances, ensuring effective communication and technology deployment.

The other terms represent different wave behaviors. Diffraction refers to the spreading of waves when they encounter an obstacle or opening. Reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they hit a barrier. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form new wave patterns. These concepts, while related to wave behavior, do not specifically address the bending of a wave at the interface of different densities, which is why refraction is the correct term.