Waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
A deformation that spreads through a vacuum or through a medium containing matter.
What do waves carry?
Energy from one point to another, without transporting matter.
What is wavelength?
The distance between 2 identical points (crests) on a wave at a given time, or one complete cycle
What is wavelength measured in?
metres
High energy waves have a _____ wavelength.
short
Low energy waves have a _____ wavelength.
long
What is frequency?
The number of waves per second
What is frequency measured in?
Hertz (Hz)
What is amplitude?
The maximum height reached by a wave from its equilibrium point (x-axis)
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
A scale to measure the size of electromagnetic waves
What are X-rays used for?
To help doctors see bones inside the body.
What are gamma rays used for?
To kill cancer cells and to sterilize medical equipment
What are UV rays used for?
To treat skin conditions
What are infrared rays used for?
To treat strained muscles and tissue due to the concentrated heat produced
Can electromagnetic waves travel through empty space?
Yes
