GLOSSARY Flashcards
Transverse Wave
A transverse wave is a disturbance that moves the medium at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels.
Longitudinal Wave
When the disturbance moves the medium back and forth, parallel to the direction in which the wave travels we have a longitudinal wave.
Frequency
The number of vibrations per second measured in Hertz (Hz) - number of waves passing any point per second.
Period
The time for one vibration (measured in seconds).
Crest/Trough
Crests (or peak) and troughs are points on a wave that have maximum displacement
Compression
A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.
Rarefaction
A region of low air pressure where the density of an object is lower than that of a compression.
Ultrasound
Sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, particularly used in medical imaging.
Decibel
A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.
Pitch
The quality of a sound governs by the rate of vibrations producing it; the degree of highness or lowness of a tone.
Pinna
The external part of the ear
Ear drum
The membrane of the middle ear, which vibrates in response to sound waves; th tympanic membrane.
Ear canal
The narrow tube like passage in which sound enters the ear. Also called external auditory canal.
Semi-Circular Canals
Three fluid filled bony channels in the inner ear. They are suits at right angles to each other and provide information and provide about orientation to the brain to help maintain balance.
Eustachian tube
A narrow passage leading from the pharynx or the cavity of the middle ear, permitting the equalisation of pressure on each side of the ear-drum.
