Wave Flashcards
Medium
Matter through which a wave travels
Mechanical Wave
A wave that can only travel through matter
Transverse Wave
Wave in which the matter in the medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave, has crests and troughs
Longitudinal Wave
A wave in which the matter in the medium moves back and forth along the direction that the wave travels
Crest
The highest point on a transverse wave
Trough
The lowest point on a transverse wave.
Compression
Denser region of a longitudinal wave.
Rarefaction
The less-dense region of a longitudinal wave.
Wavelength
Distance between one point on a wave and the nearest point just like it.
Frequency
The number of wavelengths that pass a fixed point each second; is expressed in Hertz (Hz)
Period
The amount of time it takes one wavelength to pass a fixed point; is expressed in seconds.
Amplitude
A measure of the size of the disturbance of wave,related to the energy that it carries
Refraction
The bending of a wave caused by a change in its speed as it travels from one medium to another.
Diffraction
The bending of waves around an obstacle; can also occur when waves pass through a narrow opening.
Wave
Repeating disturbance that transfers energy as it travels through matter or space.
