Ch. 1 Characteristics of Waves Flashcards
disturbance involving the transfer of energy from place to place
Wave
the maximum distance the medium vibrates from the rest position
Amplitude
a point of maximum amplitude on a standing wave
Antinode
an area where the coils are close together in a longitudinal waves
Compression
the interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with an amplitude larger than the amplitude of either of the individual waves
Constructive Interference
a high point on a transverse wave
Crest
the interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with an amplitude smaller than the amplitude of either of the individual waves
Destructive Interference
the bending or spreading of waves as they move around a barrier or pass through an opening
Diffraction
the ability to do work
Energy
the number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time
Frequency
units of measurement for frequency
Hertz
the interaction between the waves that meet
Interference
vibrates the medium in the same direction in which the wave travels
Longitudinal Wave
waves that require a medium to travel
Mechanical Waves
the material through which a wave travels
Medium
a point of zero amplitude on a standing wave
Node
the part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are far apart
Rarefaction
the bouncing back of an object or wave when it hits a surface through which it cannot pass
Reflection
the bending of waves as they enter a new medium at an angle, caused by a change in speed
Refraction
the increase in the amplitude of a vibration that occurs when external vibrations match an object’s natural frequency
Resonance
how far a wave travels in a given amount of time
Speed
a wave that appears to stand in one place, even though it is two waves interfering as they pass each other
Standing Wave
combination of transverse and longitudinal waves
Surface Waves
a wave that vibrates the medium at right angles, or perpendicular, to the direction in which a wave travels
Transverse Wave
