Waves Vocabulary Flashcards
Frequency
Different musical instruments produce different frequencies. A tuba has a very low frequency, while a piano can produce high frequency notes.
Period
The time needed for one complete cycle to pass a given point
Wavelength
You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or an ocean. These waves have high and low points. The distance between one high point and the next one is called wavelength. If the wavelength is small, the waves are closer together.
Crest
A particle is traveling along the water waves. The highest point of the wave is called a crest.
Trough
The lowest point of a wave is called a trough.
Amplitude
You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or ocean. Waves have high and low points. Big waves have a lot of power and strength. The height or strength of a wave is called its amplitude. It is the distance from the wave’s rest position to its high point or low point.
Longitude waves
The molecules that transmit sound in a longitudinal wave move in the same direction of the wave. Molecules are compressed and released as the wave travels forward.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Every time you watch a movie, text a friend, or get an X-ray at the dentist, you’re using electromagnetic energy. Here is the full electromagnetic spectrum, its relative wavelength, and how it makes up a part of our everyday life.
Transverse wave
Transverse waves are produced when the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Compression
Compression, or compressive stress, is a type of stress that causes deformation. Compressional stress squeezes and shortens layers of sediment and rock.
Rarefraction
The decrease density in a longitudinal way.
Reflection
When light hits a surface, some of it bounces off. This is called reflection. Surfaces that are smooth and shiny, like mirrors, reflect light very well. That’s why you can see your image in a mirror. Sometimes, when the surface of water is still, you can see your image in it.
Refraction
The next time you are sipping a clear drink, leave the straw in the drink and take a look. Does the straw appear bent? This is because light rays bend when they move through the drink to your eye. The bending of light when it moves from one medium to another is called refraction.
Diffraction
the bending of waves, especially sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path.
Medium
An intervening substance as air through which a force acts or an effect is produced
