Physics - Unit 5: Waves

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of particles in a medium from equilibrium.

Antinode

The position of maximum displacement in a standing wave.

Compression

A region of high pressure where particles are close together.

Electromagnetic Wave

A form of radiation that travels through space and does not require a medium.

Frequency

The number of complete cycles or vibrations per unit of time.

Fundamental Frequency

The simplest standing wave pattern (lowest frequency), with 2 nodes and 1 antinode.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave where particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave motion.

Mechanical Wave

A wave that requires a medium to travel through.

Medium

The matter through which a wave travels.

Node

A point of no displacement in a standing wave.

Period

The time required to complete one cycle.

Rarefaction

A region where particles are spread apart (low pressure).

Restoring Force

A force that pushes or pulls an object back toward its equilibrium position.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Motion where an object moves back and forth in a repeating pattern, with a restoring force toward equilibrium.

Speed/Velocity

How fast something is moving and the direction it is moving in (velocity includes direction).

Standing Wave

The result of two waves with the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions.

Transverse Wave

A wave where particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of motion.

Vibration

A repeated back-and-forth motion around a central position.

Wave

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (e.g., crest to crest).