wave scattering

Wave scattering occurs when a wave, such as sound, light, or water waves, encounters an object or irregularity that changes its usual path. Instead of traveling straight, the wave bounces off or spreads around the object, creating new directions and patterns. This process helps us understand the shape, size, and properties of objects, like detecting a submarine with sonar or studying how light interacts with particles. Essentially, scattering is how waves "spread out" or change course when they hit something, revealing information about what they encounter.