Science Exam 1 Flashcards
Learn factors for exam
Absorb
opaque object absorbs light; light is converted to heat energy when it is “soaked up” by the object.
Amplitude
displacement of the medium from its normal position. Larger amplitude = higher energy.
Combination Waves
Surface waves occur at the surface between two mediums and are a combination of longitudinal and transverse waves.
Compression
When wave particles in a longitudinal wave get closer together they are compressed.
Crest
The highest part of a wave.
Diffuse Light Source
Scattered from all directions so it seems to wrap around objects. It is softer and does not cast harsh shadows.
Diffusion
When a wave spreads out as it passes through a small opening or bends around an object.
Eclipse
When either the sun or moon pass in front of each other it blocks the light and casts a shadow.
Empirical Evidence
Observations made with your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing).
Energy
The ability to do work. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted to another form.
Engineer
A person who designs and builds things to solve a problem.
Engineering Process
1) Define problem 2) Research 3) Develop solution 4) Design solution 5) Build prototype 6) Test 7) Repeat
Frequency
How many waves per time interval, measured in number of waves per second. Example: 60hz for house hold electricity.
Gravitational Potential Energy
The energy that an object has by virtue of its position above the ground.
Hertz
Unit of measurement for frequency. Example 60 hertz (hz)
Hypothesis
An idea or explanation that you can test.
Light
The natural agent that stimulates sight and that travels in transverse waves at the speed of light.
Longitudinal Wave
A wave vibrating in the direction of motion; a compressional wave. Example: sound waves.
Medium
The material through which a wave travels. A mechanical wave requires a medium, light does not.
Opaque
Doesn’t let light through and will absorb all light. Something that appears to be dark when you look through it.
Joule
A joule (J) is the unit of energy.
Kinetic Energy
Energy that an object has because it is in motion.
Penumbra
The fuzzy partial shadow.
Photon
A particle of quantum of light.
Point Light Source
A source of light that seems to come from a point, like a star. It casts harsh shadows.
Potential Energy
Energy that an object has due to its position.
Rarefaction
When a longitudinal wave spreads out.
Rayleigh Wave
A wave that forms from wind. An ocean surface wave.
Reflect
When light bounces off an object; angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection.
Refraction
When a wave enters a new medium, slows down, and is bent. Causes shorter wavelength in prism for white light.
Seismic Waves
S-waves (transverse), P-Waves (longitudinal), and Surface Waves (combination).
Scientific Method
1) Make observation 2) Ask question 3) Create hypothesis 4) Make prediction 5) Test prediction 6) Analyze results 7) Peer review
Shadow
When an opaque object blocks a light source a dark area is cast.
Shiny
Light reflects off this kind of object.
Sound Wave
A mechanical wave. A compressional/longitudinal wave.
Speed of Light
Fastest speed in the universe.
Surface Wave
Combination of transfers waves and longitudinal waves.
Translucent
Some light can pass through, but not all light.
Transmit
When light passes through. A transparent object will do this to light.
Transparent
A material that allows light to pass through. Example: glass.
Transverse Wave
Move at right angles to the direction of motion.
Trough
Lowest part of a wave.
Umbra
The central darker part of a shadow.
Vacuum
Space devoid of matter.
Waves
Classified by how they travel as either transverse, longitudinal, or combination.
Wavelength
Distance between two identical points in a wave.
