Physics and Waves Glossary

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Absorption

Back

When a material takes in light energy instead of reflecting or passing it through.

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Amplitude

Back

The height of a wave from its middle (rest position) to the top (crest) or bottom (trough); it shows the energy of the wave.

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Concave Lens

Back

A lens that is thinner in the middle than at the edges; it spreads light rays outward (diverges them).

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Converge

Back

To come together or meet at a point. Light rays that converge are focusing to a point.

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Convex Lens

Back

A lens that is thicker in the middle than at the edges; it bends light rays inward to a focal point.

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Density

Back

How much mass is packed into a certain space (mass per volume); more dense materials are usually heavier for their size.

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Diffraction

Back

The bending or spreading out of waves when they pass through a gap or around an edge.

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Diverge

Back

To spread apart or move away from a point. Light rays that diverge are spreading out.

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Electromagnetic Spectrum

Back

The full range of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves (longest) to gamma rays (shortest).

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Electromagnetic Wave

Back

A wave made of changing electric and magnetic fields that can travel through space (doesn’t need a medium).