Which of the following processes describes the behavior of waves as they encounter different mediums?

The correct answer describes the fundamental interactions that waves experience as they pass through different mediums. The processes of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and dispersion are all essential concepts in wave behavior.

When waves encounter a boundary between two different mediums, they can reflect back into the original medium or refract, changing speed and direction as they enter the new medium. Diffraction occurs when waves bend around obstacles or spread out after passing through narrow openings, demonstrating how they can change direction due to the presence of barriers or openings in their path. Dispersion refers to the way in which different frequencies of waves can travel at different speeds in a medium, separating them based on their wavelengths.

These processes are particularly important in fields such as optics, acoustics, and geophysical studies, as they help us understand how waves travel, behave, and interact with their environments in various scientific contexts. Understanding these behaviors is essential for applications ranging from designing optical instruments to analyzing sound waves in different environments.