What is meant by the term "transmission" in wave behavior?

Study for the NCEA Level 3 Waves Test. Prepare with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

The term "transmission" in wave behavior refers specifically to the process where waves pass through a medium without being absorbed or reflected. When a wave encounters a medium, such as air, water, or glass, it can either be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. In the case of transmission, the wave continues its journey, moving through the material while its energy remains largely intact.

This phenomenon is essential to understanding how different materials interact with waves, including sound, light, and electromagnetic waves. In practical terms, this is why we can see through a window – light waves transmit through the glass rather than being absorbed or reflected to a significant degree.

Other options describe different behaviors of waves; absorption indicates the wave's energy is taken in by the medium, reflection involves the bouncing back of waves when they hit a surface, and the generation of new wave frequencies relates to phenomena such as harmonic production, which does not pertain to the passing of waves through a medium. Thus, the definition of transmission accurately encompasses the behavior described.

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