Waves Flashcards
Frequency
The number of cycles a wave completes in a period of time.
Period
The time needed for one complete cycle of vibration to pass in a given point.
Wavelength
The distance between one peak and the next on a wave
Crest
The highest point of the wave
Trough
The lowest point in a cycle
Medium
Where the wave travels through
Amplitude
Height or “strength” of a wave
Longitudinal wave
A wave vibrating in the direction of propagation
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The range of wave lengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends
Transverse wave
A wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation
Compression
Compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are close together
Rarefaction
The reduction of an items density
Reflection
The change in the direction of a waterfront
Refraction
The change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another
Diffraction
A various phenomena that occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or slit.
