Waves Flashcards
Waves
The transfer of energy without transferring matter.
Crest
The highest point or peak of the wave
Trough
The lowest point or valley of a wave
Wave height
The distance from the resting point to the crest of the wave
Wavelength
The distance from crest to crest or through to through in a wave
Frequency
The number of waves that pass a given point in a set time
Time period
Time for a complete cycle to pass a given point
Medium
Matter through which a mechanical wave travels
Transverse wave
A wave in which energy travels perpendicular to the direction of the disturbance
Electromagnetic wave
A wave that does not need a medium to travel through
Longitudinal wave
A wave in which the energy travels in the same direction as the disturbance
Compressions
The point in a longitudinal wave where the matter is pushed closer together
Reflection
When waves strike a surface and bounces back in another direction.
Refraction
The bending of waves as they pass through a material
Diffraction
Waves spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or around material
