Vocab Flashcards
Absorption
The disappearance of a wave into a medium. When a wave is absorbed, the energy transferred by the wave is converted into another form of energy, usually thermal.
Amplitude
The height of a wave.
Crest
The highest point of a wave.
Diffraction
The spreading out of waves as they pass through the opening or around the edges of an obstacle.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The range of all electromagnetic frequencies, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultra violet light, x-rays, and gamma rays.
Electromagnetic Wave
A type of wave that travels without a medium.
Frequency
The number of wavelengths that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time.
Gamma Rays
Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that consists of waves with the highest frequency.
Interference
The meeting and combining of waves.
Infrared Light
Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that consists of waves with frequencies between those of microwaves and visible light.
Longitudinal Wave
A type of wave in which the disturbance moves the same direction the wave travels.
Mechanical Wave
A wave that transfers kinetic energy through matter.
Medium
A substance through which a wave moves.
Microwaves
Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that consists of waves with higher frequencies than radio waves, but lower frequencies than infrared waves.
Polarization
A way of filtering light so that all waves vibrate in the same direction.
