Waves Vocabulary Flashcards
Frequency
the rate at which a vibration occurs that constitutes a wave, either in a material (as in sound waves), or in an electromagnetic field (as in radio waves and light), usually measured per second.
Period
the time needed for one complete cycle of vibration to pass in a given point. As the frequency of a wave increases, the time period of the wave decreases. The unit for time period is ‘seconds’.
Wavelength
the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.
Crest
crest is the point on a wave with the maximum value of upward displacement within a cycle. A crest is a point on a surface wave where the displacement of the medium is at a maximum. A trough is the opposite of a crest, so the minimum or lowest point in a cycle.
Trough
A trough is the opposite of a crest, so the minimum or lowest point in a cycle.
Medium
substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves. For example, matter of sufficient density can be a medium for sound waves, which transfer mechanical energy. See more at wave .
Amplitude
Amplitude, in physics, the maximum displacement or distance moved by a point on a vibrating body or wave measured from its equilibrium position. It is equal to one-half the length of the vibration path.
Longitudinal wave
wave vibrating in the direction of propagation.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.
Transverse Wave
a wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation.
Compression
the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure) of the fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine before ignition.
Rarefaction
diminution in the density of something, especially air or a gas
Reflection
Reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves.
Refraction
Reflection involves a change in direction of waves when they bounce off a barrier. Refraction of waves involves a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another. Refraction, or the bending of the path of the waves, is accompanied by a change in speed and wavelength of the waves.
Diffraction
Diffraction refers to various phenomena that occur when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit. It is defined as the bending of waves around the corners of an obstacle or aperture into the region of geometrical shadow of the obstacle.
