Wave Vocab for TCAP Review

A rhythmic disturbance of the particles of a substance

• wave

• mechanical wave

• transverse wave

• electromagnetic wave

The number of waves per second, measured in Hertz.

• wave speed

• frequency

• amplitude

The height of a wave, from the resting point (middle) to the crest or trough.

• Frequency

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

The length of wave, measured from crest to crest or trough to trough.

• Frequency

• Hertz

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

The distance the wave travels in a given amount of time, such as the number of meters it travels per second.

• Wave Speed

• Frequency

• Amplitude

• Hertz

A wave that requires a medium (matter) to travel through.

• Transverse Wave

• Electromagnetic Wave

• Mechanical Wave

All light waves. They are a disruption in magnetic and electric fields. They can travel in a vacuum, so they do not require a medium.

• Mechanical Waves

• Electromagnetic Waves

• Transverse Waves

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

• Transmission

• Absorption

• Reflection

• Refraction

 The bouncing back of a light wave off a smooth surface.

• Transmission

• Absorption

• Reflection

• Refraction

When a wave passes through something.

• Transmission

• Absorption

• Reflection

• Refraction