Wavs Test Flashcards
Wave
Disturbance that carries energy through water or space
Transverse wave
Waves causing the particles of the medium to vibrate perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling
Longitudinal waves
What is causing the medium particles to move parallel to the waves direction of travel
Amplitude
Greatest distance a particle is displeased from its normal resting position( trough to dotted line)
Crest
Highest point on a transverse wave
Trough
Lowest point on a transverse wave
Wavelength
Distance between two successive Identical points on wave 
Compression
Areas where The medium is squeezed together closet than at equilibrium 
Rarefaction
areas where the medium is stretched or expanded farther apart than at equilibrium
Refraction
Bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another (pencil in water)
Mechanical waves
Waves that require a medium to travel
Frequency
Number of wavelengths that pass a point in 1 second
Electromagnetic waves
Waves caused by electric and magnetic fields that do NOT require a medium
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave as it meets a boundary or surface (mirror)
Constructive interference
When waves combine to create a bigger wave