6th Six Weeks Flashcards
Wave
the repeating and periodic disturbance that moves through a medium from one location to another
Equilibrium or rest position
natural position
Disturbance
the act of moving the first coil of the slinky in a given direction and then returning it to its equilibrium position
Pulse
a single disturbance moving through a medium from one location to another location
Medium
a substance or material that carries the wave; can be modeled by a series of particles connected by springs
Transverse wave
particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves
Longitudinal waves
particles of the medium move in a direction that the wave moves; ex: sound wave
surface wave
particles of the medium undergo a circular motion
electromagnetic
capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum; produced by the vibration of charged particles
Mechanical wave
not capable not capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum; require a medium in order to transport their energy from one location to another; ex: sound wave
crest
the highest point the medium rises to (pos.; upwards)
trough
the lowest point the medium sinks to (neg.; downwards)
amplitude
the maximum extent at a vibration or oscillation and is measured from the position of equilibrium
wavelength
the length of one complete wave cycle
compression
a point on a medium through which a longitudinal wave is traveling that has the maximum density
