Waves Unit Vocab

Question 1

Define Wave

Answer 1

is a rhythmic disturbance that carries energy through matter and space.; carries energy from one place to another. Waves are a form of energy.

Question 2

Define Wavelength

Answer 2

distance of a “repeating unit”, also called a cycle; measures how long a wave is

Question 3

Define Amplitude

Answer 3

measures DISPLACEMENT (height of a wave) size of the disturbance; distance between “rest & crest” or “rest & trough”

Question 4

what is the bottom, or lowest point of a wave called?

Answer 4

Trough

Question 5

What is the “peak” or top of a wave called?

Answer 5

Crest

Question 6

how fast the wave travels (velocity); measured by multiplying the wavelength by the wave frequency, v = w x f

Answer 6

Speed

Question 7

How do you measure speed?

Answer 7

V = W * F

Question 8

Define Frequency

Answer 8

Frequency- How often number of wavelengths that pass any point per second
number of wavelength

Question 9

matter such as solid, liquid, or gas and is what a wave is carried by; ex/ ocean waves move through water

Answer 9

Medium

Question 10

Define Electromagnetic wave

Answer 10

the energy moves through disturbances in the electromagnetic field. Does not require a medium to travel through; energy is transferred by way of radiation.

Question 11

Mechanical wave

Answer 11

the energy is transferred by vibrations of medium. Three types of mechanical waves: transverse, longitudinal, and surface waves

Question 12

Transverse wave

Answer 12

Vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the wave, the vibration is at 90 degrees (right angles) to the wave pulse