Electromagnetic Spectrum and Wave Vocabulary

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the electromagnetic spectrum, types of waves, and vocabulary associated with wave behavior.

Electromagnetic Radiation

A form of energy that travels through space, characterized by oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

Microwave

A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 1 mm to 1 m, longer than infrared waves.

Infrared Waves

Electromagnetic waves with longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter than microwaves.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

A range of all types of electromagnetic radiation organized by wavelength or frequency.

Dangerous Waves

Types of electromagnetic waves that the atmosphere protects us from, such as Ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, and Gamma rays.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a given point per second, with higher frequency corresponding to higher energy.

Wavelength

The distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave, inversely related to frequency.

Crest

The highest point of a wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave.

Rest Position

The baseline position of a wave when there is no disturbance.

Amplitude

The height of a wave crest or depth of a trough, indicating the energy carried by the wave.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave propagation.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation.

Compression

A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together.

Rarefaction

A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.