Waves Unit Vocabulary

a unit used to measure the frequency of a wave. This unit means "one cycle per second" and is named after Mr. Heinrich Rudolf ________

• McDonald

• Frequency

• Wavelength

• Hertz

A measure of how many wavelengths pass a point each second

• Trough

• Wavelength

• Wave speed

• Frequency

Half the distance between a crest and a trough. (#1 in the picture)

• Amplitude

• Crest

• Frequency

• Length

The complete range/all of electromagnetic wave frequencies and wavelengths

• Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Wavelength Spectrum

• Ultraviolet waves

• Compressional waves

The highest point of a TRANSVERSE wave

• Trough

• Crest

• Amplitude

• The top

The lowest point of a TRANSVERSE wave

• Crest

• Trough

• Reflection

• The bottom

Waves that make matter in the medium (solid, liquid or gas) move back and forth at right angles to the direction the wave travels.

Think of making waves with a jump rope.

• Compressional Wave

• Transverse Wave

• Vertical Wave

• Frequency

The distance between one point in a wave and the closest point just like it.

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Compressional Wave

• Medium

A disturbance that moves through matter and space and carries energy

• Medium

• Movement

• Waves

• Refraction

a type of wave where matter in the medium moves back and forth in the same direction the wave travels.

Think of a slinky being compressed and released.

• Transverse wave

• Compressional wave

• Refraction

• Electromagnetic wave