Key Terms - Introduction to Waves

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!