Wave Properties and Phenomena

Transverse Wave

• Waves that travel by causing particles to oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel

• Waves that travel by causing particles to oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel

• Waves that do not require a medium to travel

• Waves that travel in a circular motion

Node

• A point on a standing wave that is in a perpetual state of destructive interference.

• A point on a standing wave that is in a perpetual state of constructive interference.

• A point where the wave amplitude is at its maximum.

• A point where the wave frequency is at its highest.

Diffraction

• The reflection of waves off a surface.

• The bending of waves around corners or barriers - understood using Huygen's Principle.

• The absorption of waves by a medium.

• The interference of waves leading to a pattern.

Mechanical Wave

• A wave that requires a medium through which to travel

• A wave that can travel through a vacuum

• A wave that is produced by electromagnetic fields

• A wave that does not require any medium

Refraction

• The bending of wave fronts when moving between two mediums of different density or speed.

• The reflection of light when it hits a surface at an angle.

• The absorption of light by a medium, preventing it from passing through.

• The scattering of light in different directions when it encounters small particles.

Longitudinal Wave

• Waves that travel by causing particles to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel

• Waves that travel by causing particles to vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel

• Waves that do not require a medium to travel

• Waves that travel in circular motion

Medium

• A continuous collection of particles of the same type

• A type of measurement for sound

• A method of communication

• A style of art

Pulse

• A single vibratory disturbance of a medium

• A continuous wave of energy

• A sudden increase in temperature

• A type of electrical signal

Frequency

• The number of times that an oscillation repeats in one second - measured in hertz

• The measure of how far a wave travels in a given time

• The amplitude of a wave measured in decibels

• The speed of sound in a vacuum

Wavelength

• Distance between two adjacent waves' crests or troughs

• Time taken for one complete wave cycle

• Speed of the wave in a medium

• Amplitude of the wave