Unit 6 Waves and Sound Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms related to waves, sounds, and simple harmonic motion based on the practice quiz notes.

Simple Harmonic Motion

A repeated motion in a predictable pattern.

Equilibrium

The center point of the simple harmonic motion.

Amplitude

The distance from equilibrium to either end of the simple harmonic motion.

Cycle

One complete motion.

Period

The time to complete one cycle; Measured in $\text{seconds}$.

Vibration

The cyclical motion of an object around its equilibrium point.

Mechanical Wave

The transfer of energy caused by a vibration.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the vibration occurs perpendicular to the direction of the energy flow.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the vibration occurs parallel to the direction of the energy flow.

Medium

The material that a wave travels through.

Crest

The point in a transverse wave at which the maximum displacement occurs.

Trough

The point in a transverse wave at which the maximum negative displacement occurs.

Wavelength

The length of one wave; Can be measured from the same point on two successive waves; Symbol is $\lambda$.

Compression

The point in a longitudinal wave at which the maximum pressure occurs.

Rarefaction

The point in a longitudinal wave at which the minimum pressure occurs.

Frequency

The number of cycles completed in one second; measured in $\text{Hertz}$.

Principle of Superposition

The resultant amplitude of two interfering waves at each point can be determined by the sum of the amplitudes of the individual waves at that point.

Constructive Interference

Type of interference that results in an amplitude greater than the individual amplitudes.

Destructive Interference

Type of interference that results in an amplitude less than at least one of the original amplitudes.

Node

The points on a standing wave in which the wave has an amplitude of zero.

Antinode

The points on a standing wave where the amplitude is maximized, moving between crest and trough.

Fundamental Frequency

The lowest frequency that produces a standing wave; at this frequency a standing wave has zero nodes between ends.

Standing Wave

A result of the interference of waves; Wave that appears to be standing still.