Key Terms - Introduction to Waves

Questions and Answers

What is Amplitude?

Measure of the energy in a wave.

What does Longitudinal mean in terms of wave motion?

Matter moves at right angles to the direction the wave travels.

What is a Crest in a wave?

Highest point of a wave.

Define Diffraction.

Bending of a wave as it passes around a barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is Frequency?

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Interference.

When two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Medium in wave terminology?

A material through which a wave transfers energy. Signup and view all the answers

Define Rarefaction.

Spread apart portion of a compressional wave. Signup and view all the answers

What does Refraction mean?

Bending of a wave as it moves from one medium to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Resonance?

Ability of an object to vibrate by absorbing energy at its natural frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Standing Wave?

When waves continuously interfere with each other. Signup and view all the answers

What does Transverse mean in wave motion?

Matter moves in the same direction as the wave travels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Trough in a wave?

Lowest point of a wave. Signup and view all the answers

Define Wavelength.

Distance between one point on a wave and the nearest point just like it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms in Waves

Amplitude: Indicates the energy level of a wave; higher amplitude means more energy.
Longitudinal Waves: Characterized by matter moving at right angles to the wave's travel direction; includes compressions and rarefactions.
Crest: Represents the peak or highest point of a wave, essential for identifying wave characteristics.
Diffraction: Occurs when a wave bends around a barrier, demonstrating wave flexibility and behavior in confined spaces.
Frequency: Refers to the number of complete wavelengths that pass a fixed point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Interference: Happens when two or more waves coincide and combine to create a new wave pattern, leading to constructive or destructive interference.
Medium: The material that facilitates the transmission of a wave, which can be solid, liquid, or gas.
Rarefaction: Describes the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart, crucial for understanding wave behavior.
Refraction: The bending of a wave that occurs when it transitions between different media, affecting wave speed and direction.
Resonance: A phenomenon where an object vibrates with greater amplitude at its natural frequency due to external forces.
Standing Wave: Forms when waves interfere with each other in a steady pattern, resulting in nodes and antinodes that do not appear to travel.
Transverse Waves: Defined by particle movement that is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation; examples include light waves.
Trough: The lowest point on a wave, opposite of the crest, which indicates the wave's depth.
Wave: A disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space, critically important for understanding various physical phenomena.
Wavelength: The measured distance between two consecutive similar points on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Description

This quiz covers essential key terms related to waves, including amplitude, longitudinal waves, crest, diffraction, and frequency. Perfect for students wanting to familiarize themselves with basic wave concepts. Test your understanding with these flashcards!