Wave Properties and Electromagnetic Spectrum

Flashcards covering wave properties, types of waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Wave

A rhythmic disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves capable of transferring energy through a vacuum.

Electromagnetic Waves

Electric and magnetic waves released by a vibrating electric charge, capable of transferring energy through a vacuum.

Electromagnetic Waves (like light)

Do not need a medium, therefore travel fastest through a vacuum, and slowest through solids.

Mechanical Waves (like sound)

Must travel through particles, therefore travel fastest through solids, then liquids, then gases, due to the closeness of the particles.

Mechanical Waves

Waves that can only travel through a medium.

Medium

Matter through which a wave travels through; can be solid, liquid, or gas.

Transverse

Matter in the medium moves back and forth at right angles to the direction that the wave is traveling.

Longitudinal (Compressional Waves)

Matter in the medium moves back and forth in the same direction that the wave is traveling.

Crest (Peak)

Highest points of a transverse wave.

Trough

Lowest points of a transverse wave.

Compression

Where particles are pushed together in a longitudinal wave.

Rarefaction

Where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave.

Amplitude

The amount of energy carried by a wave.

Wavelength (A)

The distance between one point on a wave and the nearest point just like it. Measured in m.

Period (T)

The amount of time it takes one wavelength to pass a point. Measured in S.

Frequency (f)

The number of waves that pass a given point in one second. Measure in Hertz (Hz).

Wave Speed (v)

How fast the wave travels. Measured in m/s.

Reflection

When a wave strikes an object and bounces off of it.

Law of Reflection

Angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection.

Refraction

The bending of waves caused by a change in its speed as it moves from one medium through another.

Diffraction

When an object causes a wave to change direction and bend around it.

Absorption

When a wave strikes an object and goes into it (is absorbed).

Interference

When two or more waves combine to form a new wave.

Constructive Interference

When two or more waves add together.

Destructive Interference

When two or more waves subtract from one another when they overlap.

Resonance

Process where an object is made to vibrate at its natural frequency by absorbing the energy of another object that is vibrating at the same frequency.

Waves

A disturbance that can carry energy.

Particles

Pieces of matter.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The entire range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

Radio Waves

Emitted by radio stations, MRI's, RADAR, Wi-Fi, TV, and cell phones.

Microwaves

Used for cooking, Doppler radar, and GPS.

Infrared Waves

Used in night vision goggles, remote controls, and infrared photography.

Visible Light Waves

The only electromagnetic waves we can see; given off by the sun and light bulbs.

Ultraviolet Waves

Given off by the sun; used in light bulbs, to kill bacteria, and by the human body to make vitamin D.

X-Rays

Used to take pictures of bones to check for breaks and fractures, also used in CAT scans.

Gamma Rays

Used to kill cancer cells, sterilize medical equipment, and in radioactive tracers.