Chapter Twelve, Lesson One: What Are Waves?

Question 1

wave

Answer 1

A wave is a disturbance involving the transfer of energy from place to place.

Question 2

energy

Answer 2

In science, energy is defined as the ability to do work.

Question 3

medium

Answer 3

The material through which a wave travels is called a medium.

Question 4

mechanical waves

Answer 4

Waves that require a medium to travel are called mechanical waves.

Question 5

vibration

Answer 5

A vibration is a repeated back-and-forth or up-and-down motion.

Question 6

transverse wave

Answer 6

A wave that vibrates the medium at right angles, or perpendicular, to the direction in which the wave travels is called a transverse wave.

Question 7

crest

Answer 7

A high point on a transverse wave is called a crest.

Question 8

trough

Answer 8

A low point on a transverse wave is called a trough.

Question 9

longitudinal wave

Answer 9

A longitudinal wave vibrates the medium in the same direction in which the wave travels.

Question 10

compression

Answer 10

An area where the coils are close together is called a compression.

Question 11

rarefaction

Answer 11

An area where the coils are spread out is called a rarefaction.