Waves- Vocab Flashcards
Frequency
The number of cycles a wave completes in a period of time; the number of times something happens in a period of time.
Wavelength
The difference between one peak to the next on a wave.
Crest
The highest point of a wave.
Trough
The lowest point of a wave.
Amplitude
The length from resting point to crest.
Longitudinal wave
A wave that occurs when the particles of a medium move parallel to the direction of the wave
Electromagnetic spectrum
The full range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves
Transverse wave
A wave that occurs when the particles of a medium are displaced perpendicularly to the direction of the wave
Compression
Occurs when rocks are squeezed by external forces directed toward one another to put stress on the rock, acting to decrease its volume or shorten its dimensions
Rare fraction
The lessening of density.
Refraction
to bend light as it passes through a material.
Diffraction
The bending of light as passes through or around an object.
Period
The time it takes for a cycle to pass a given point.
Medium
A substance through which energy travels.
Reflection
To strike a surface and bounce back in the opposite direction.
