Vocab Set #17: Unit 5 Waves 1

The height of a wave; the distance from the nodal line to the top of the wave (crest) or from the nodal line to the bottom of the wave (trough).

• Amplitude
• Frequency
• Wavelength
• Wave Speed

A wave in which matter moves back and forth in the same direction as the wave is moving; also called compressional wave.

• Electromagnetic Wave
• Transverse Wave
• Longitudinal Wave
• Mechanical Wave

The highest point of a wave.

• Amplitude
• Crest
• Trough
• Compression

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are closest together; where the wave is bunched up.

• Crest
• Trough
• Compression
• Rarefaction

Transverse waves consisting of changing electric and magnetic fields; does not require a medium to travel and can travel through empty space.

• Longitudinal Waves
• Mechanical Waves
• Transverse Waves
• Electromagnetic Waves

The number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time.

• Amplitude
• Frequency
• Wavelength
• Wave Speed

Matter through which a wave travels.

• Vacuum
• Medium
• Node
• Wave Length

A wave that requires a medium in order to carry energy.

• Transverse Waves
• Mechanical Waves
• Longitudinal Waves
• Electromagnetic Waves

The location of the standing waves where the amplitude is always at equilibrium.

• Amplitude
• Crest
• Trough
• Node

The part in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

• Crest
• Trough
• Compression
• Rarefaction