Waves flashcards

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter

Medium

The substance through which a wave travels

Transverse waves

Particles vibrate perpendicular to wave direction

Longitudinal waves

Particles vibrate parallel to wave direction

Amplitude

Maximum displacement from equilibrium

Wavelength

Distance between two consecutive crests or troughs

Frequency

Number of waves passing a point per second

Period

Time for one complete wave cycle

Wave speed =

Frequency x wavelength

Reflection

Waves bounce off surfaces

Refraction

Waves change speed and direction when entering a new medium