Chapter 15.1 Physical Science waves Flashcards
Wave
A disturbance that transfers energy from one side to the other without transferring matter.
Mechanical wave
A wave that can travel only through matter.
Medium
A material in which a wave travels.
Transverse wave
a wave in which the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction the wave travels
Crests
the highest points on a transverse wave.
Trough
The lowest points on a transverse wave
Longitudinal wave
makes the particles in a medium move parallel to the direction that the wave travels.
Compressions
the regions of a longitudinal wave where the particles in the medium are closest together.
Rarefaction
The regions of a longitudinal wave where the particles in the medium are farthest apart.
Electromagnetic wave
a wave that can travel through empty space and through matter.
Amplitude
the height of a wave. Usually measured from the wave’s resting point to the peak of the wave.
Wavelength
the distance between wave peaks: Usually measured from the peak of one wave to the peak of the wave next to it.
Energy
It makes things happen! (or more formally: the ability to do work)
Wave peak
The highest point on a wave. Also called the crest.
Sound waves
Vibrations for air particles that transmit sound. Sound waves are a type of longitudinal wave.
Transverse wave
When the disturbance moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Put simply: When a wave moves up and down.
Define “wave” in your own words?
A wave is a disturbance that moves energy but not matter.
Distinguish between a transverse wave AND a longitudinal wave.
A transverse wave makes the particles in a medium move perpendicular to the wave’s direction. A Longitudinal wave makes the particles in a medium move parallel to the wave’s direction.
What causes a wave….
Crest
Rarefaction
Rope
Vibration
D. Vibration
How are sound waves AND water waves similar?
Both are mechanical waves.
How are sound waves and water waves different?
However, sound waves are longitudinal waves, but water waves are a combination of longitudinal and transverse waves.
Describe what happens to a wave shown below when the hand stops vibrating?
I think the wave will start separating.
