Wave Science vocab Flashcards
Wave
Is a rhythmic disturbance that carries energy through matter and space.; carries energy from one place to another. Waves are a form of energy.
Wavelength
Distance of a “repeating unit”, also called a cycle; measures how long a wave is
Amplitude
measures DISPLACEMENT (height of a wave) size of the disturbance; distance between “rest & crest” or “rest & trough”
Trough
bottom, or lowest point of a wave
Crest
“peak” or top of a wave
Speed
how fast the wave travels (velocity); measured by multiplying the wavelength by the wave frequency, v = w x f
Frequency
How often number of wavelengths that pass any point per second
number of wavelength
Medium
matter such as solid, liquid, or gas and is what a wave is carried by; ex/ ocean waves move through water
Electromagnetic wave
the energy moves through disturbances in the electromagnetic field. Does not require a medium to travel through; energy is transferred by way of radiation.
Mechanical wave
the energy is transferred by vibrations of medium. Three types of mechanical waves: transverse, longitudinal, and surface waves
Transverse wave
Vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the wave, the vibration is at 90 degrees (right angles) to the wave pulse
Longitudinal (compression) wave
Vibration is in the same direction (parallel) as wave pulse (parallel to wave pulse)
Surface wave
Vibration is circular Ex/ Ocean waves; ground surface waves