MS-PS4-1: Wave Energy and Properties

Front

Crest Noun

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[krest]

Back

Crest

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The highest point or peak of a wave, representing the maximum upward displacement from the resting position.

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Example: The image shows a wave with the crest labeled as the highest point, demonstrating the maximum upward displacement.

Front

Trough Noun

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[trof]

Back

Trough

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The lowest point or valley of a wave, representing the maximum downward displacement from the resting position.

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Example: The image shows a wave with the trough labeled as the lowest point, helping students understand wave structure.

Front

Oscillation Noun

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[os-uh-ley-shuhn]

Back

Oscillation

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A regular, repeating back-and-forth or up-and-down motion that occurs around a central point or equilibrium.

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Example: A pendulum swings back and forth, demonstrating oscillation around a central point.

Front

Wavelength Noun

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[weyv-lengkth]

Back

Wavelength

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The specific distance between two consecutive, corresponding points of a wave, such as from one crest to the next.

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Example: The image shows the distance between two crests of a wave, labeled as wavelength.

Front

Amplitude Noun

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[am-pli-tood]

Back

Amplitude

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The maximum displacement or distance moved by a point on a wave measured from its equilibrium or resting position.

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Example: The image shows amplitude as the height from the wave's equilibrium to its crest or trough.

Front

Wave Speed Noun

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[weyv speed]

Back

Wave Speed

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The rate at which a wave propagates or travels through a specific medium, such as water or air.

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Example: The image shows wave speed by illustrating how a wave travels through a medium with labeled sections.

Front

Resting Line Noun

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[rest-ing layn]

Back

Resting Line

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The undisturbed, equilibrium level of the medium when no wave is present, also known as the still water level.

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Example: The dashed line shows the resting line, the equilibrium level of the wave.

Front

Nodes Noun

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[nohdz]

Back

Nodes

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The specific points along a standing wave where the wave has minimum amplitude, crossing the resting line.

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Example: Nodes are points on a wave where it crosses the equilibrium line, showing minimum amplitude.

Front

Breaking Wave Noun

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[breyk-ing weyv]

Back

Breaking Wave

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A wave whose crest becomes unstable and collapses forward as it enters shallow water near the shore.

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Example: The image shows how a wave breaks as it moves from deep water to shallow, illustrating the crest collapsing forward.

Front

Tsunami Noun

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[tsoo-nah-mee]

Back

Tsunami

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A series of extremely large ocean waves typically caused by underwater disturbances like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

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Example: A tsunami starts with an underwater earthquake, causing waves that grow as they reach land.