P6-Waves

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to waves, including definitions of terms involved in wave mechanics.

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position.

Wavelength

The distance between the same point on two adjacent waves.

Frequency

The number of complete waves passing a certain point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Period

The amount of time it takes for a full cycle of the wave.

Transverse Wave

Waves in which oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Longitudinal Wave

Waves in which oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Wave Speed

The speed at which energy is being transferred, calculated as wave speed (v) = frequency (f) x wavelength (λ).

Compression

Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together.

Rarefaction

Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart.