Waves Flashcards
The number of cycles a wave completes in a period of time
Frequency
A length of time
Period
The distance between one peak and the next on the wave
Wavelength
The highest point of a wave
Crest
The lowest point of a wave
Trough
The intervening substance through which impressions are conveyed to the senses or a force acts on objects at a distance
Medium
A wave that vibrates in the same direction as it travels also called a compression wave
Longitudinal wave
The range of wavelength or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends
Electromagnetic spectrum
A wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation
Transverse wave
The reduction in volume causing an increase in pressure of the fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine before ignition
Compression
Measurement of the focusing characteristic of an eye or eyes
Rarefraction
Serious thought or consideration
Reflection
Change in direction of propagation of any wave as a result of its traveling at different speeds at different points along the wave front
Refraction
The process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture
Diffraction
The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation
Amplitude
