Science Vocab Flashcards
Variable
Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables independent, Dependant, and controlled
Control
Consistent variables, quantities that a scientist wants to remain the same or constant
Independent variable
The one variable that is changed by the scientist. To ensure a fair test, a good experiment has only one independent variable.
Dependent variable
This is what occurs in the response to the changing independent variable. The Dependant variable is caused by and depends on the value of the independent variable.
Wave
A disturbance that transfers energy from place to place
Energy
The ability to do work or cause change
Medium
The material on which a wave travels
Mechanical wave
A wave that requires a medium through which to travel
Vibration
Repeated back and forth or up and down motion
crest
The highest part of a transverse wave
Trough
The lowest part of a transverse wave
Longitudinal wave
A wave that moves the medium parallel to the direction in which the wave travels
Compression
A part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are close together
Surface wave
A wave that occurs at the surface between two mediums
Rarefaction
The part of a longitudinal wave where the parts of a medium are far apart
