EM Spectrum Vocabulary Flashcards
Wavelength
Distance from any point on one wave, such as crest to crest or compression
Electromagnetic wave
The full range of electromagnetic waves
Frequency
Number of wave vibrations (oscillations) produced in one second, measured in hertz (Hz)
Amplitude
Total distance a wave make (oscillations) from it’s resting position
Crest
The highest point of a wave
Trough
The lowest point of a wave
Longitudinal wave
a wave that oscillates back and forth, parallel to the direction it’s traveling
Rarefaction
Where the wave pushes matter apart
Transverse wave
A wave that oscillates perpendicularly it’s direction it’s traveling
Conduction
Transfer of heat from a warmer substance to a cooler substance through direct contact
Convection
Transfer of thermal energy in a fluid, (liquid or gas) in which warmer fluid rises and cooler fluid sinks in a convection current
Radiation
Transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves
Reflection
Bouncing back of a wave from a surface; in light reflection from a smooth surface is specular reflection, from a rough surface is diffuse reflection
Refraction
Bending of a wave as it moves across the boundary between one medium and another
Absorption
Objects get their color from a selective absorption
