Waves Flashcards
Waves
The transport of energy without the transport of matter
P waves
longitudinal waves
Shakes the ground back and forth in the same direction and opposite direction.
They move fast
sound waves
needs a medium or material to pass through
S waves
transverse waves
Secondary wave
They moves slowly up and down
light waves
Amplitude
Measures the height of the wave from the crest (high point) or trough (low point) of the wave to the midline
higher amplitude = higher energy
Wavelength
Measures the horizontal distance between cycles
Crest to crest
shorter wavelength = higher energy
Frequency
Number of wave cycles that are completed in one second
higher frequency = higher energy
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light waves with different energies, wavelengths, and frequencies.
Visible Light Waves
Light that humans can see
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
ROY G BIV
Transmission
The passing of waves through or into a medium
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave after it strikes a barrier or object.
Absorption
The process of taking in or soaking up energy carried by a light wave.