Science Waves Flashcards

Wave

A disturbance that travels through a medium.

Mechanical Wave

A wave that requires a medium (like water

Medium

The material (solid, liquid, gas)

Electromagnetic Wave

A wave that does not require a medium and can move through a vacuum.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which particles move perpendicular to the direction the wave moves.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which particles move parallel to the direction the wave moves.

Surface Wave

A mechanical wave that moves along the interface of two different materials (combines transverse and longitudinal).

Crest

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Amplitude

The distance from the rest position to a crest or a trough.

Wavelength

The distance between one point on a wave and the point where the wave repeats itself.

Period

The amount of time it takes for one full cycle or wave to pass a point.

Frequency

The number of cycles that pass a point in a specific amount of time.

Wave Speed

Determined by the amount of time it takes for a wave to pass a point (Speed = Distance / Time).

Reflection

When a wave bounces back after hitting a surface.

Refraction

The bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle.

Constructive Interference

When two waves with identical amplitudes meet and their crests/troughs correspond perfectly.

Destructive Interference

When the crest of one wave meets the trough of another causing the waves to cancel out.

Standing Wave

A wave formed by interference that stays in place while remaining in constant motion.

Sound

A mechanical longitudinal wave produced by vibrations.

Acoustics

The science and study of sound including its production and effects.

Pitch

How high or low a note is; the human perception of frequency.

Doppler Effect

The apparent change in frequency of a sound as perceived by an observer caused by a moving sound source.

Seismic Waves

Waves produced by earthquakes that combine longitudinal and transverse motion.

Sonic Boom

The accumulation of sound waves as an object travels faster than the speed of sound.