Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum Vocabulary

Question 1

Wave

Answer 1

The transfer of energy without transferring matter

Question 2

Crest

Answer 2

The highest point or peak of a wave

Question 3

Trough

Answer 3

The lowest point or valley of a wave

Question 4

Amplitude

Answer 4

The distance from the resting point to the crest of a wave

Question 5

Wavelength

Answer 5

The distance from crest to crest or trough to trough in a wave

Question 6

Frequency

Answer 6

The number of waves that pass a given point in a set period of time

Question 7

Period

Answer 7

Time for a complete cycle to pass a given point

Question 8

Medium

Answer 8

Matter through which a mechanical wave travels

Question 9

Transverse waves

Answer 9

A wave in which the energy travels perpendicular to the direction of the disturbance

Question 10

Electromagnetic

Answer 10

A wave that does not need a medium to travel through

Question 11

Longitudinal wave

Answer 11

A wave in which the energy travels in the same direction as the disturbance

Question 12

Compression

Answer 12

The point in a longitudinal wave where the matter is pushed closer together

Question 13

Rarefraction

Answer 13

The point in a longitudinal wave where the matter is spaced farther apart

Question 14

Reflection

Answer 14

When waves strike a surface and bounce back in another direction

Question 15

Refraction

Answer 15

The bending of waves as they pass through a material

Question 16

Diffraction

Answer 16

Waves spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or around an edge of material