Which term describes the redistribution of sound energy into many directions when a wave hits a rough boundary?

Which term describes the redistribution of sound energy into many directions when a wave hits a rough boundary?

• A. Concentrated energy in one direction
• B. Disperses energy into multiple directions
• C. Increases speed of sound
• D. Reduces wavelength

Answer: (B)

When a wave meets a rough boundary, the energy spreads out in many directions rather than reflecting in a single path. This happens because the tiny facets of the rough surface are oriented at different angles, so each portion reflects the wave in a different direction. The overall effect is a diffuse spread of energy, often called diffuse reflection or diffusion of sound energy. That description matches the idea of dispersing energy into multiple directions. The other options describe changes that aren’t caused by roughness: a single, concentrated reflection comes from a smooth surface; speed or wavelength changes relate to the medium or frequency, not the boundary roughness.

When a wave meets a rough boundary, the energy spreads out in many directions rather than reflecting in a single path. This happens because the tiny facets of the rough surface are oriented at different angles, so each portion reflects the wave in a different direction. The overall effect is a diffuse spread of energy, often called diffuse reflection or diffusion of sound energy. That description matches the idea of dispersing energy into multiple directions. The other options describe changes that aren’t caused by roughness: a single, concentrated reflection comes from a smooth surface; speed or wavelength changes relate to the medium or frequency, not the boundary roughness.