WAVES 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 the wave) size of the disturbance; distance between rest & crest, or rest & trough
trough
bottom or lowest point o 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 a number of wavelengths at 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 the medium. three types of mechanical waves; transverse waves, longitudinal, and surface waves
transverse wave
vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the wave the vibration is at 90 degrees 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