Vocabulary

Question 1

Frequency

Answer 1

The number of cycles a wave completes in a period of time; the number of times something happens in a period of time

Question 2

Period

Answer 2

The wave period is how much time it takes for one wave cycle to pass a given point. The units are always in terms of time. The higher the frequency the shorter the period. Wave period can be measured using a digital storage oscilloscope.

Question 3

Wavelength

Answer 3

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests or troughs. It is denoted by the Greek symbol ? (lambda) and its SI unit is meter

Question 4

Crest

Answer 4

A particle is traveling along the water waves. The highest point of the wave is called a crest

Question 5

Trough

Answer 5

The lowest point of a wave is called a trough

Question 6

Medium

Answer 6

A substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves

Question 7

Amplitude

Answer 7

You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or ocean. Waves have high and low points. Big waves have a lot of power and strength. The height or strength of a wave is called its amplitude. It is the distance from the wave’s rest position to its high point or low point

Question 8

Longitudinal wave

Answer 8

Waves in which the motion of the individual particles of the medium is in a direction that is parallel to the direction of energy transport (in a horizontal motion) are called longitudinal waves

Question 9

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 9

The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous sequence of electromagnetic radiations arranged according to its frequencies or wavelengths. It extends from gamma rays characterized by short wavelength (or high frequency) to the radio waves characterized by long wavelength (or low frequency)

Question 10

Transverse wave

Answer 10

Transverse waves are produced when the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave

Question 11

Compression

Answer 11

Compression, or compressive stress, is a type of stress that causes deformation. Compressional stress squeezes and shortens layers of sediment and rock

Question 12

Rarefaction

Answer 12

The motion of the individual particles of the medium is in a direction that is parallel to the direction of energy transport

Question 13

Reflection

Answer 13

When light is reflected, the angle at which the wave is incident on the smooth surface equals the angle at which it is reflected. Reflection from a smooth surface is known as specular reflection and that from a rough surface is known as diffuse reflection

Question 14

Refraction

Answer 14

Waves are refracted when they pass from one material to another with different properties. When light passes from air to water or from air to glass, it is refracted. Seismic waves are also refracted when they pass through the different layers within Earth

Question 15

Diffraction

Answer 15

The process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge