Reflection:
The phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
Sentence: Your reflection is what you see in the mirror. Other things that bounce back at you are also reflections — light waves, sound waves, even your thoughts.
Refraction:
Definition: The change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another
Sentence: Refraction is the bending of light or sound as it passes through something like a wall (sound) or a window (light).
Diffraction:
Definition: When light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands
Sentence: Diffraction is the process of light bending around an obstacle or spreading out after it moves through a small space. If you study physics, you'll learn about the diffraction of light waves.
Absorption:
Definition: (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
Sentence: Absorption describes the process of absorbing or soaking up something: Sponges are good at water absorption; dark colors are better for heat absorption.
Interference:
Definition: The act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
Sentence: Interference is something that is in your way. If the sound of your sister's band practicing keeps you from getting your homework done, that’s interference.
Standing wave:
Definition: A wave (as a sound wave in a chamber or an electromagnetic wave in a transmission line) in which the ratio of its instantaneous amplitude at one point to that at any other point does not vary with time
Sentence: A bubble, trapped and held in a fixed position by an acoustic standing wave, begins to move erratically if a threshold wave amplitude is exceeded. The longitudinal standing wave is synchronously forced and resonated while the cross-wave is not resonant and is of higher order in amplitude.
Resonance:
Definition: Having the character of a loud deep sound; the quality of being resonant
Sentence: If you have a loud, deep voice, then your voice has resonance, and if your words are powerful and meaningful, then your words have resonance, too. Something with resonance has a deep tone or a powerful lasting effect.
I hope this helps! :)
