Waves Unit Flashcards
What is Absorption?
The process by which a wave’s energy is taken up by a medium and converted to other forms of energy.
Define Amplitude.
The maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.
What is Compression in the context of waves?
The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together.
What type of wave is a Compressional/Longitudinal Wave?
A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
What is a Crest?
The highest point of a wave.
What does Diffraction refer to?
The bending of waves around obstacles and openings.
What is meant by Disturbance in wave terminology?
A change in the medium that causes the wave to propagate.
What is an Electromagnetic Wave?
A wave that can travel through a vacuum and consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.
What comprises the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves.
Define Frequency.
The number of waves that pass a given point in a specific amount of time, usually one second.
What is a Mechanical Wave?
A wave that requires a medium to travel through.
What is the term for the Medium in wave physics?
The substance through which a wave travels.
What is a Midline in the context of waves?
The horizontal line that represents the rest position of the medium.
Define Rarefaction.
The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are farthest apart.
What does Reflection mean in wave behavior?
The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier.
What is Refraction?
The bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another.
What does Scattering refer to in wave behavior?
The spreading out of waves in different directions after hitting an obstacle.
What is Superposition in wave theory?
The principle that states when two or more waves overlap, the resultant wave displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.
What does Transmission mean in the context of waves?
The passing of waves through a medium.
What is a Transverse Wave?
A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Define Wave.
A disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.
What is Wavelength?
The distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave.
