Waves Flashcards
Frequency
Different musical instruments produce different frequencies. A tuba has a very low frequency, while a piano can produce high frequency notes.
Period
The time needed for one complete cycle to pass one spot
Wavelength
the distance between one peak and the next on a wave
Crest
the highest point of a wave
Trough
the lowest point of a wave
Medium
an intervening substance, as air, through which a force acts or an effect is produced.
Amplitude
height or “strength” of a wave
Longitudinal
a wave that vibrates in the same direction as it travels; also called a compression wave
Electro magnetic spectrum
the full range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves
Transverse waves
wave that occurs when the particles of a medium are displaced perpendicularly to the direction of the wave
Compression
occurs when rocks are squeezed by external forces directed toward one another to put stress on the rock, acting to decrease its volume or shorten its dimensions
Rare fraction
Decrease in density in a longitudinal wave
Reflection
to strike a surface and bounce back in the opposite direction
Refraction
the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc., being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
Diffraction
the bending of waves, ecepessialy sound and light around obstacles and air pass
