Physics Unit 8: Characteristics of Waves Flashcards

Front

Amplitude

Back

The distance from the equilibrium line of a wave to the point of maximum vertical displacement (crest or trough).

Front

Electromagnetic wave

Back

A wave propagated at the speed of light resulting from oscillations in electrical charge and current; includes light as well as other types of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

Frequency

Back

The number of complete cycles or oscillations per second.

Front

Longitudinal wave

Back

Waves that oscillate (move) parallel to the direction of propagation (wave travel pathway).

Front

Medium

Back

Matter with consistent composition that can propagate a wave (solid, liquid, and gas).

Front

Simple harmonic motion

Back

Motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement of an object (usually a spring or pendulum) from equilibrium (its rest position).

Front

Transverse wave

Back

Waves that oscillate (move) perpendicular to the direction of propagation (wave travel pathway).

Front

Wave

Back

A disturbance or variation that travels through a medium.

Front

Wave energy propagation

Back

The brief deviation of particles from a state of rest or equilibrium as a wave passes through, transferring energy from a point of origin to a final destination.

Front

Wavelength (λ)

Back

The linear distance between identical points on successive waves.