Science Flash Cards
Amplitude
The maximum distance a wave vibrates from its rest position.
Wave
A disturbance that transmits energy through a matter or space.
Wavelength
The distance between one point on a wave and the corresponding point on an adjacent wave in a series of waves.
Frequency
The number of waves produced in a given amount of time.
Interference
A wave interaction that occurs when two waves or more overlap.
Constructive interference
Interference that results in a wave that has a greater amplitude than the waves that overlapped to form it.
Destructive interference
Interference that results in a wave that has a smaller amplitude than the waves that overlapped to form it.
Crest
The highest point of a transverse wave.
Compression
A region of higher density or pressure on a wave.
Rarefaction
A region of lower density or pressure in a wave.
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave after it strikes a barrier or an object.
Refraction
The bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another.
Diffraction
The bending of waves around a barrier or through an opening.
Resonance
Resonance occurs when an object vibrating at or near a resonant frequency of a second object causes the second object to vibrate.
Laser
A devise that produces intense light of only one color and wavelength.
