Waves Flashcards
What is wave
The transfer of energy with out transferring matter
Mechanical wave
A wave that needs matter to transfer energy
Electromagnetic wave
A wave that does not need matter or a medium to travel through.
Parts of the spectrum
Radio wave Microwave Infrared waves Visible Light Ultraviolet rays X-rays Gamma Rays
Uses for each part of the spectrum
Radiowave- radios, broadcasting, radar
Microwave- cellular devices like mobile phones
Infrared- thermal imaging
Visible light- the light that we can see
UV- tanning, causes you to produce vitamin d
X-ray- examine your body
Gamma- can be used to cure cancer
Crest
Highest point in a wave
Trough
The lowest point in a wave
Period
The time it takes for one cycle to pass a given point
Wavelength
The distance from crest to crest or trough to trough
Amplitude
All of the wave above the resting point
Y
E
E
Frequency
How many waves pass a given point in a certain amount of time
Compressional wave
A wave in which it travels in the same direction of the disturbance
