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Waves: Sound & Light

Terms in this set (24)

wave
a traveling disturbance that transfers energy, not matter
crest
the highest point of a transverse wave
trough
the lowest point of a transverse wave
amplitude
in a transverse wave, the greatest distance from rest
wavelength
the distance between two consecutive, similar points on a wave
transverse wave
the particles of a wave move perpendicular (90 degrees) to the direction of the wave
longitudinal wave
the particles of a wave move parallel to the direction of the wave
medium
the material through which a wave travels
electromagnetic wave
waves that do not require a medium; light is an example
mechanical wave
waves that require a medium; sound is an example
refraction
bending of a wave due to a change in medium
compression
in a longitudinal wave, the place where there are more particles
rarefaction
in a longitudinal wave, the place where there are less particles
reflection
the action of a wave bouncing off an object
pitch
a description of how high or low a sound seems
vibration
a repeated back-and-forth or up-and-down motion
frequency
the number of complete waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time
Radio Waves
Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies. They include broadcast waves for television.
Microwaves
Radio waves with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies. Includes cell phones and radar.
Infrared Rays
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than radio, but longer than visible light. Heat lamps are an example.
Visible Light
Electromagnetic waves that are visible to the human eye.
UV Light
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than visible light, but longer than x-rays. These waves carry a lot of energy and can be dangerous.
X-rays
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than UV rays, but longer than gamma rays. These carry a lot of energy and can penetrate most matter.
Gamma Rays
Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies. These carry the greatest amount of energy and can be produced from nuclear reactions.
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