Wave Vocabulary Flashcards
Frequency
frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time.
Period
A time period is the time needed for one complete cycle of vibration to pass in a given point.
Wavelength
the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.
Crest
A crest is the point on a wave with the maximum value of upward displacement within a cycle.
Trough
A trough is the opposite of a crest, so the minimum or lowest point in a cycle.
Medium
the intervening substance through which impressions are conveyed to the senses or a force acts on objects at a distance.
Amplitude
in physics, the maximum displacement or distance moved by a point on a vibrating body or wave.
Longitudinal wave
a wave vibrating in the direction of propagation.
Electromagnetic spectrum
the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.
Transverse wave
a wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation.
Compression
the action of compressing or being compressed.
Rarefraction
rarefraction is the reduction of an item’s density, the opposite of compression. Like compression, which can travel in waves.
Reflection
the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
Refraction
the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc. being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
Diffraction
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, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced.
