Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum vocab Flashcards
Wave
The transfer of energy without transfering matter.
Crest
The highest point or peak of a wave.
Trough
The lowest point or valley of a wave.
Amplitude
The distance from the resting point to the crest of a wave.
Wavelength
The distance from crest to crest or trough to trough in a wave.
Wave frequency
The number of waves that pass a given point in a set period of time.
Time period
Time for a complete cycle to pass a given point
Media or medium
Matter through which a mechanical wave travels
Transverse wave
A wave in which the energy travels perpendicular to the direction of the disturbance.
Electromagnetic waves
A wave that does not need a medium to travel through
Longitudinal wave
A wave in which the energy travels in the same direction as the disturbance.
Compressions
The point in a longitudinal wave where the matter is pushed closer together.
Rarefactions
The point in a longitudinal wave where the matter is spaced farther apart.
Reflection
When waves strike a surface and bounce back in another direction.
Refraction
The bending of waves as they pass through a material
