Year 9 Waves End of Unit Test Revision List

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help students review key concepts and definitions related to waves and electromagnetic spectrum covered in the Year 9 Physics curriculum.

SI unit

The standard unit of measurement for physical quantities.

Giga (G)

A prefix meaning one billion (10^9).

Mega (M)

A prefix meaning one million (10^6).

Kilo (k)

A prefix meaning one thousand (10^3).

Centi (c)

A prefix meaning one hundredth (10^-2).

Milli (m)

A prefix meaning one thousandth (10^-3).

Micro (u)

A prefix meaning one millionth (10^-6).

Nano (n)

A prefix meaning one billionth (10^-9).

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a given point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Wavelength

The distance between consecutive crests or troughs of a wave, measured in meters (m).

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Period

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

Wave velocity

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium.

Wavefront

An imaginary line representing peaks of the wave.

Longitudinal wave

A wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave travel, such as sound waves.

Transverse wave

A wave where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, such as light waves.

Refracted wave

A wave that changes direction and speed as it passes from one medium to another.

Electromagnetic wave

A wave of energy that has both electric and magnetic field components.

Continuous electromagnetic spectrum

A complete range of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves to gamma rays.

Microwave

Electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz.

Infrared

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

Ultraviolet

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than x-rays.

X-rays

High-energy electromagnetic waves used in medical imaging.

Gamma rays

Electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and energy, often used in cancer treatment.