Study Guide for Wave Structure, Speed and Resonance

Rarefacation

The region in a longitudinal wave where the medium is most stretched out

Crest

The highest point in a transverse wave

Frequency

The number of waves passing a fixed point per second

Speed

The distance that a wave travels per unit time

Wavelength

The length of one complete wave

Trough

the lowest point in a transverse wave

Longtitudal wave

A wave in which the oscillations occur in the same direction as the wave travels

Compression

The region in a longitudinal wave where the medium is most pressed together

Wave

An oscillation that propagates through space, carrying the energy but not matter from one place to another

Mechanical wave

Waves that require a medium

Amplitude

The height of a wave measured from its midpoint

Medium

The material that mechanical waves travel through

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the wave

Period

The number of seconds it takes for a single wave to pass a fixed point

Oscillation

The repetitive movement of something around an equilibrium (Central) position