Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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What phenomenon occurs due to the differing speeds of sound in various materials?

Reflection of sound waves
Refraction of sound waves
Diffraction of sound waves
Interference of sound waves

The correct answer is: Refraction of sound waves

The phenomenon that occurs due to the differing speeds of sound in various materials is refraction of sound waves. Refraction happens when sound waves travel from one medium to another and change their speed, which causes the waves to change direction. For instance, when sound waves pass from air into water, they speed up and bend at the interface between the two materials. This bending occurs because sound travels at different speeds in different substances, influenced by factors such as density and elasticity of the materials. In essence, the angle at which the sound enters the new medium and the change in speed result in the wave being refracted, illustrating how sound behavior varies across different environments. Understanding refraction is essential, especially in fields like acoustics and nursing, as it explains how sound travels in medical imaging technologies and various therapeutic practices.