Waves terminology Flashcards
What do sound waves do
Cause air particles to vibrate back and forth
What do ripple waves do
Cause water particles to vibrate up and down
In longitudinal waves the vibrations are ________ to the direction of wave travel
Parallel
In transverse waves the vibrations are at _____________ to the direction of wave travel
Right angles
What are mechanical waves
They are waves that cause oscillations of particles in a solid liquid or gas and must have a medium to pass through.
What are electromagnetic waves
They are waves that cause oscillations in electrical and magnetic fields
What is the rest position of a wave
The undisturbed position of particles or fields when they are not vibrating
What is displacement in waves
The distance that a certain point in the medium has moved from the rest position
What is the peak of wave
The highest point above the rest position
What is the trough of a wave
The lowest point below the rest position
What is the amplitude of a wave
The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position
What is the time period of a wave
The time taken for a full cycle of the wave, usually measure from peak to peak, or trough to trough
What is the frequency of a wave
The number of waves passing a point each second
