Wave and Oscillation Vocabulary

Key vocabulary terms related to waves, oscillations, and resonance.

Crest

The highest point of a wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave.

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.

Frequency

The number of complete waves that pass a point in a given time.

Period

The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.

Individual wave pulses

The amplitude changes when they overlap

Constructive Interference

When two identical pulses overlap creating a larger amplitude.

Destructive Interference

When one pulse is up and the other is down, resulting in a smaller amplitude.

Superposition

When waves overlap, they don't cancel or change each other; their effects add together for that moment.

Inverted pulse

The pulse flips upside down

Standing Wave

A wave pattern that appears stationary, formed by two identical traveling waves moving in opposite directions.

Antinodes

Points of maximum amplitude in a standing wave.

Nodes

Points of no movement in a standing wave.

Nodes

Points where the wave is always at rest (zero displacement).

Antinode

Points where the wave has maximum displacement.

Free Oscillation

Occurs when only internal forces act; the system vibrates at its natural frequency.

Forced Oscillation

Oscillations caused by a periodic external force.

Resonance

Occurs when the frequency of the applied force equals the natural frequency, leading to maximum amplitude.

Progressive Wave

Transfers energy.

Standing Wave

Does not transfer net energy, energy oscillates in place.

Nodes

The points on a standing wave where there is zero displacement.

Antinodes

The points on a standing wave where there is maximum displacement.

Fundamental Mode/First Harmonic

Lowest frequency mode of a standing wave.

Harmonic

A multiple of the fundemental frequency.

Closed End (Pipe)

The end needs to be a node (no air movement).

Open End (Pipe)

The end must be an antinode (maximum air movement).

Damping

Reduces the amplitude of oscillations over time