Wave Definitions

Define: Wave.

• A repeating pattern of motion that transfers energy through matter or space without transferring the matter itself.

• A static pattern that holds energy in place without transferring it.

• A random motion that dissipates energy into the environment.

• A singular event that transfers matter from one place to another.

Define: Medium.

• The substance or material through which a wave travels (water, air, solid objects).

• A type of communication channel.

• A middle state or condition.

• A person who communicates with spirits.

Define: Frequency.

• The number of times a wave passes through a point in a given amount of time.

• The distance between two consecutive peaks of a wave.

• The time it takes for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a point.

• The speed at which a wave travels through a medium.

Define: Amplitude.

• The number of wave gulfs.

• The height of a wave crest or depth of a trough from the rest position.

• The frequency of the wave.

• The speed at which the wave travels.

Define: Wavelength.

• Describes how long the wave is.

• Describes the height of the wave.

• Describes the speed of the wave.

• Describes the frequency of the wave.

Define: Reflection.

• When a wave, like light or sound, bounces off a surface.

• When a wave is absorbed by a surface.

• When a wave passes through a surface without any change.

• When a wave is scattered in different directions.

Define: Transmission.

• When a wave passes through a material.

• When a wave is absorbed by a material.

• When a wave is reflected off a surface.

• When a wave is refracted through a medium.

Define: Absorption.

• When a material takes in a wave instead of letting it pass through or bounce off.

• When a wave passes through a material without any change.

• When a wave bounces off a material.

• When a material amplifies a wave.

Define: Electromagnetic Spectrum.

• The range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.

• A type of sound wave that travels through air.

• The visible light spectrum that humans can see.

• A spectrum of colors seen in a rainbow.

Define: Transverse.

• A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction the wave travels.

• A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction the wave travels.

• A wave that requires a medium to travel through.

• A wave that does not require a medium to travel through.