The phase of a reflected wave refers to the position of the wave in its cycle at the moment it is reflected off of a surface. This can determine whether the reflected wave will reinforce or cancel out the original wave.
The phase of a transmitted wave refers to the position of the wave in its cycle as it passes through a medium or interface. This can affect the direction and intensity of the transmitted wave.
The phase of a wave can be affected by the properties of the medium it is traveling through, such as the density, temperature, and composition of the medium. These factors can alter the speed and direction of the wave, thus affecting its phase.
When two waves with different phases interact, they can either reinforce or cancel each other out, depending on the phase difference. This phenomenon is known as interference and is seen in many natural phenomena, such as light and sound waves.
The phase of a wave is measured in degrees or radians, with a full cycle being equivalent to 360 degrees or 2π radians. It can be measured using specialized equipment, such as an oscilloscope, which can display the wave's position in its cycle.