wave vocab

Amplitude

The maximum distance a wave moves from its resting position.

Compression Wave

A wave in which particles of a medium are crowded close together in certain areas; the particles vibrate parallel to the direction the wave travels

Crest

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Electromagnetic Wave

A wave that transfers energy through electric and magnetic fields and does not need a medium to travel. Examples include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which particles vibrate parallel to the direction the wave travels.

Mechanical Wave

A wave that requires a medium, such as a solid, liquid, or gas, to transfer energy.

Medium

The material through which a mechanical wave travels, such as air, water, or a rope.

Rarefaction

The area of a longitudinal wave where particles are spread farther apart.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

Trough

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Wave

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

Wavelength

The distance between two corresponding points on consecutive waves, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.