Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum Vocabulary

Question 1

The transfer of energy without transferring matter

Answer 1

Wave

Question 2

The highest point or peak of a wave

Answer 2

Crest

Question 3

The lowest point or valley of a wave

Answer 3

Trough

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Amplitude

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Wavelength

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Frequency

Question 7

Time for a complete cycle to pass a given point

Answer 7

Period

Question 8

Matter through which a mechanical wave travels

Answer 8

Medium

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Transverse Waves

Question 10

wave that does not need a medium to travel through

Answer 10

Electromagnetic Waves

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Longitudinal Wave

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Compression

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Rarefraction

Question 14

When waves strike a surface and bounce back in another direction

Answer 14

Reflection

Question 15

The bending of waves as they pass through a material

Answer 15

Refraction

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Diffraction