What phenomenon occurs when sound waves reach a different medium?

When sound waves reach a different medium, the phenomenon that occurs is called refraction. Refraction happens because sound travels at different speeds in different materials. As sound waves move from one medium to another—for example, from air into water—there is a change in the speed of sound due to differences in density and elasticity of the two media. This change in speed causes the waves to change direction at the interface between the two media, bending as they enter the new medium.

This bending of sound waves is essential for understanding various applications of sound, such as sonar and how we perceive sound in different environments. Factors like temperature and pressure can also influence how pronounced the refraction effect might be in specific situations.