Waves Flashcards
Wave
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.
Medium
A medium is any substance that a wave moves through.
Mechanical waves
Waves that transfer energy through matter are known as Mechanical waves.
Transverse wave
In a transverse wave, the direction in witch the wave travels in perpendicular, or at right angles, to the direction of the disturbance.
Longitudinal wave
In a longitudinal wave, the wave travels in the same direction as the disturbance.
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave after it strikes a barrier is called a reflection.
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle other than 90 degrees.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the spreading out of waves through an opening or around the edge of an obstacle
Interference
Interference is the meeting and combining of waves.