Waves
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22 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 transverse wave | A wave in which the vibration is at right angles to the direction in which the wave is traveling. |
| longitudinal wave (compressional) | A wave in which the vibration is in the same direction as that in which the wave is traveling |
| rest line | the line from which the vibration is measured; matter at rest |
| vibration | a repeated back and forth motion that creates a wave |
| compression | when the particles are squeezed together |
| wave | a travelling disturbance that moves energy, not matter |
| crest | the highest point of wave. |
| trough | the lowest point of a wave |
| amplitude | the distance from the rest position to the crest or trough |
| frequency | number of cycles or vibrations per unit time |
| mechanical wave | a wave that requires a medium through which to travel |
| medium | matter (solid, liquid, gas) through which a wave travels |
| hertz | the unit of frequency equal to cycle per second; Hz |
| seismic wave | A vibration that travels through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake |
| absorb | to take in |
| transmit | to send on, pass along, send out |
| diffract | to break up into segments or portions |
| trough | lowest point of the wave |
| reflect | bouncing of a wave or ray off a surface, changing its direction |
| constructive interference | Addition of two waves when the crest of one overlaps the crest of another, so that their individual effects add together. The result is a wave of increased amplitude. |
| destructive interference | Addition of two waves when the crest of one overlaps the trough of another, so that their individual effects cancel each other. The result is a wave of decreased amplitude. |
| rarefaction | a part in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart |
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