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
Period
The time needed for one complete cycle of vibration to pass in a given point.
Wavelength
the distance between one peak and the next on a wave
Crest
the highest point of a wave
Trough
The lowest point of a wave
Medium
a substance or material that carries the wave.
Amplitude
height or “strength” of a wave
Longitudinal wave
a wave that vibrates in the same direction as it travels; also called a compression wave
Electromagnetic spectrum
the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.
Transverse wave
A wave that oscillates perpendicular to the axis along which the wave travels
Compression
a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.
Rarefaction
a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart.
Reflection
to strike a surface and bounce back in the opposite direction
Refraction
the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another caused by its change in speed.
Diffraction
when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit.
