Understanding Waves

Front

Wave

Back

A rhythmic disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Carries energy without carrying matter from place to place.

Front

Electromagnetic Waves

Back

Waves capable of transferring energy through a vacuum. Example: Light waves.

Front

Mechanical Waves

Back

Waves that can only travel through a medium. Example: Sound waves, water waves.

Front

Medium

Back

Matter through which a wave travels; can be solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

Transverse waves

Back

Matter in the medium moves back and forth at right angles to the direction that the wave is traveling. Particle motion is perpendicular to wave motion. Examples include electromagnetic waves, vibrations in string instruments, and ripples on the surface of water.

Front

Longitudinal waves

Back

Matter in the medium moves back and forth in the same direction the wave travels. Particle motion is parallel to wave motion. Examples include sound waves, ultrasounds, and waves made with a slinky.

Front

Crest

Back

The highest points of a transverse wave, also known as the peak.

Front

Trough

Back

The lowest points of a transverse wave.

Front

Compression

Back

Where particles are pushed together in a longitudinal wave.

Front

Rarefaction

Back

Where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave.