Wave Mechanics Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to wave mechanics.

Wave Speed

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling.

Compressional Wave

Also called a longitudinal wave; a wave in which particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave.

Rest Position

The original, undisturbed position of the medium before a wave passes through it.

Crest

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Amplitude

The maximum distance a point on a wave moves from the rest position; measures the wave's energy.

Node

A point along a standing wave where there is no motion due to destructive interference.

Antinode

A point along a standing wave where the amplitude is greatest due to constructive interference.

Wavelength

The distance between two corresponding points on consecutive waves.

Frequency

The number of complete waves that pass a point in one second (measured in Hertz).

Period

The time it takes for one full wave cycle to pass a point; calculated as 1/Frequency.

Fundamental Frequency

The lowest natural frequency at which an object vibrates.

Harmonic

A frequency that is a whole-number multiple of the fundamental frequency.

Overtone

Any frequency higher than the fundamental frequency, including harmonics.

Infrasonic

Sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, which are too low for human hearing.

Ultrasonic

Sound waves with frequencies above 20,000 Hz, which are too high for human hearing.

Subsonic

Describes speeds slower than the speed of sound in air.

Supersonic

Describes speeds faster than the speed of sound in air.

Mach Number

The ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound.

Sonic Boom

A loud noise caused when an object travels faster than the speed of sound.

Doppler Effect

The change in wave frequency due to the motion of the wave source or observer.

Interference

The interaction of two or more waves overlapping, leading to constructive or destructive interference.

Diffraction

The bending of waves around barriers or through openings.

Reflection

When a wave bounces back after hitting a surface it cannot pass through.

Refraction

The bending of a wave as it changes speed when moving from one medium to another.

Echo

A reflected sound wave that is heard after bouncing off a surface.

Resonance

A dramatic increase in amplitude when an object vibrates at its natural frequency due to an external wave of the same frequency.

Vibrato

A musical effect consisting of a regular, slight variation in pitch used to enhance the tone.

Tremolo

A musical effect produced by rapidly repeating a note or varying the volume of a note.

Timbre

The quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different voices or instruments.