Waves Vocabulary Flashcards
Frequency
the number of cycles a wave completes in a period of time
Wavelength
the distance between one peak and the next on a wave
Crest
the highest point of a wave
Amplitude
height of a wave
Longitudinal wave
a wave that vibrates in the same direction as it travels; also called a compression wave
Period
geologic time
Trough
The lowest point of a wave
Electromagnetic Spectrum
sequence of electromagnetic radiations according to its frequencies or wavelengths.
Transverse waves
When the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
Compression
When the particles in a wave are close together
Rarefaction
When the particles of a wave are spaced apart
Reflection
When light is reflected, the angle at which the wave is incident on the smooth surface equals the angle at which it is reflected
Refraction
when they pass from one material to another with different properties.
