Waves Flashcards
Frequency
The rate at which a vibration occurs that constitutes a wave, either in a material(as in sound waves), or in an electromagnetic field(as in radio waves and light), usually measured per second.
Period
the interval of time between successive occurrences of the same state in an oscillatory or cyclic phenomenon, such as a mechanical vibration, an alternating current, a variable star, or an electromagnetic wave.
Wavelength
The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.
Crest
The curling foamy top of a wave.
Trough
A hollow between two wave crests in the sea.
Medium
Matter.
Amplitude
A measure of the displacement of the wave from its rest position.
Longitudinal wave
A wave vibrating in the direction of propagation.
Electromagnetic spectrum
The range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends
Transverse wave
A wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation.
Compression
Waves that produce compression and rarefaction when traveling through a medium, and pressure waves, because they produce increases and decreases in pressure.
Rarefaction
Diminution in the density of something, especially air or gas.
Reflection
The change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound, and water waves.
Refraction
The fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc. being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
Diffraction
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 or across and edge, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced.
