Waves Flashcards
Wave
A transverse or longitudinal wave transfers energy without any transfer of matter. Electromagnetic waves are always transverse waves and do not require a medium to transfer energy. Mechanical waves can be transverse or longitudinal and require a medium to transfer energy.
Crest
A particle is traveling along the water waves. The highest point of the wave is called a crest.
Trough
The lowest point of a wave is called a trough.
amplitude
You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or ocean. Waves have high and low points. Big waves have a lot of power and strength. The height or strength of a wave is called its amplitude. It is the distance from the wave’s rest position to its high point or low point.
frequency
the number of waves that pass a given point during a specified period of time
wavelength
You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or an ocean. These waves have high and low points. The distance between one high point and the next one is called wavelength. If the wavelength is small, the waves are closer together.
period
The wave period is how much time it takes for one wave cycle to pass a given point. The units are always in terms of time. The higher the frequency the shorter the period. Wave period can be measured using a digital storage oscilloscope.
medium
A substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves. For example, matter of sufficient density can be a medium for sound waves, which transfer mechanical energy. See more at wave.
transverse wave
Transverse waves are produced when the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Electromagnetic waves
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves formed by the interactions between electric and magnetic fields. Radio waves used in communication systems are one type of electromagnetic waves.
longitudinal wave
Waves in which the motion of the individual particles of the medium is in a direction that is parallel to the direction of energy transport (in a horizontal motion) are called longitudinal waves.
compression
Compression. A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together. Rarefaction. A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart.
rarefaction
Waves in which the motion of the individual particles of the medium is in a direction that is parallel to the direction of energy transport (in a horizontal motion) are called longitudinal waves.
reflection
When light is reflected, the angle at which the wave is incident on the smooth surface equals the angle at which it is reflected. Reflection from a smooth surface is known as specular reflection and that from a rough surface is known as diffuse reflection.
refraction
Waves are refracted when they pass from one material to another with different properties. When light passes from air to water or from air to glass, it is refracted. Seismic waves are also refracted when they pass through the different layers within Earth.
