Physics Wave Defenitions

Longitudinal Wave

A type of wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave

Transverse Wave

A type of wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave

Medium

The substance through which a wave travels

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive points in a phase

Frequency

The number of wave cycles that pass a point per second, measured in hertz

Period

The time taken for one complete wave cycle, measured in seconds

Wave Speed

The speed at which the wave travels through the medium

Crest

The highest point of a transverse wave

Trough

the lowest point of a transverse wave

Compression

The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together

Rarefaction

The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart

Reflection

When a wave bounces off a surface and changes direction

Absorption

When a wave’s energy is taken in by a material

Refraction

The bending of a wave as it passed from one medium to another due to a change in speed

Diffraction

The spreading out of waves as they pass through a gap or around an obstacle

Interference

When two waves meet and combine to form a new wave pattern