waves Flashcards
amplitude
The furthest point the wave vibrates from its undisturbed point.
compression
squeezing together of particles as a wave passes through
echo
reflection of sound that can be heard.
electromagnetic waves
electric and magnetic disturbances that transfer energy from one place to another
frequency
the number of waves that pass a point each second
longitudinal waves
waves in which vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
mechanical wave
a vibration that travels through a substance
microwaves
electromagnetic waves of wavelengths greater than 0.10m
optical fibre
thin glass fibre used to transmit light signals
oscillate or vibrate
the movement to and from of a particle from its rest position
radiation dose
amount of ionising radiation a person receives
radio waves
electromagnetic waves of wavelengths greater than 0.10m
rarefaction
particles which are stretched apart as a wave passes through it
reflection
the change of direction of a light ray or wave at a boundary when the ray or wave stays in the incident medium
refraction
the change of direction of a light ray when it passes across a boundary between two transparent substances (including air)
