Study Tides Sad4 Flashcards
(15 cards)
Frequency
Frequency is the number of wave cycles per unit of time.
period
The wave period is how much time it takes for one wave cycle to pass a given point
wavelength
Wavelength is the distance between successive crests or troughs.
Crest
The highest point of the wave is called a crest.
trough
The lowest point of a wave is called a trough.
medium
A substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves.
Amplitude
You may have seen waves on the surface of a sea or ocean. Waves have high and low points.
longitudinal wave
Waves in which the motion of the individual particles of the medium is in a direction that is parallel to the direction of energy transport (in a horizontal motion) are called longitudinal waves.
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
is a type of stress that causes deformation. Compressional stress squeezes and shortens layers of sediment and rock.
rarefaction
area of decreased pressure following compression as a longitudinal wave propagates
reflection
a change in the direction of a wave when it hits a barrier and bounces back
refraction
a change in the direction and velocity which occurs when a seismic or electromagnetic wave travels from one material into another of different density, state, or elasticity
diffraction
the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced.
