Waves Vocabulary

Front

What is the process by which a substance changes the direction of a wave?

Back

Reflection is the process by which a wave changes direction when it encounters a barrier or a different medium.

Front

What is the distance from the crest to the baseline of a wave called?

Back

Amplitude is the distance from the crest (or trough) to the baseline (equilibrium position) of a wave.

Front

What is a variation in a medium that transfers energy from point to point?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium without permanently displacing the medium itself.

Front

What is the high point of a wave called?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the term for the number of crests that pass a given point per unit of time?

Back

Frequency is the number of complete waves (crests) that pass a given point in one second.

Front

What is the low point of a wave called?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is the term for the time it takes for one complete wave to pass a given point?

Back

The period is the time taken for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a given point.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and period?

Back

Frequency (f) is the reciprocal of the period (T), expressed as f = 1/T.

Front

What is the term for the speed at which a wave travels through a medium?

Back

Wave speed is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.