Year 9 Science: Waves and Electricity Vocabulary

Flashcards for Year 9 Science Waves and Electricity Revision

Wave Motion

The transfer of energy through a medium by vibrations.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Energy radiated in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves that are created as a result of vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The entire range of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Radio Waves

Part of the EM Spectrum; used for communication, broadcasting.

Microwaves

Part of the EM Spectrum; used in microwave ovens and communication.

Infrared Radiation

Part of the EM Spectrum; felt as heat.

Visible Light

Part of the EM Spectrum; the only part of the EM spectrum we can see.

Ultra Violet Light

Part of the EM Spectrum; can cause sunburn and skin damage.

X-Rays

Part of the EM Spectrum; used in medical imaging.

Gamma Rays

Part of the EM Spectrum; have the highest energy and can be used in radiotherapy.

Wavelength

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a point in a given time, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Electromagnetic Radiation

A range of electromagnetic waves travelling at the speed of light.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position.

Law of Reflection

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Regular Reflection

Reflection from a smooth surface that produces a clear image.

Diffuse Reflection

Reflection from a rough surface that scatters light in different directions and does not produce a clear image.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which particles vibrate at right angles to the direction of wave travel.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves in which particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels.

Sound Wave

A wave in which the vibration is in the same direction as that in which the wave is travelling

Electron

Negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

Neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Proton

Positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Ion

An atom or molecule with an electrical charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

Static Electricity

The accumulation of electric charge on an object.

Current

The rate of flow of electric charge.