Physical Science - Waves Flashcard

Front

What is the term for the highest point of a wave?

Back

Crest

Front

What is the term for the lowest point of a wave?

Back

Trough

Front

What do we call the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave?

Back

Wavelength

Front

What is the term for the measure of how far a wave travels in a given amount of time?

Back

Wave Speed

Front

What is the term for the amount of energy a wave carries, often measured from the mid-line to the crest or trough?

Back

Amplitude

Front

What is the term for the area in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together?

Back

Compression

Front

What is the term for the area in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart?

Back

Rarefaction

Front

What happens to the frequency of a wave when the wavelength decreases, assuming wave speed remains constant?

Back

Frequency increases.

Front

What is the phenomenon called when a wave changes direction as it passes from one medium to another?

Back

Refraction

Front

What is the term for the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier?

Back

Reflection