Physics Wave Properties – Flashcards
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wave
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A disturbance that carries energy through matter or space.
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wave pulse
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a single bump or disturbance that travels trough a medium.
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mechanical wave
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A wave which is not capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum.
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electromagnetic wave
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A wave which is capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum.
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transverse wave
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A wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction which the wave moves.
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longitudinal wave
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A wave in which particles of the medium in a direction parallel to the direction which the wave moves.
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surface wave
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A wave with characteristics of both transverse and longitudinal waves.
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wave speed
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distance of wave travel / interval of time
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amplitude
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The maximum amount of displacement of a particle on the medium from its rest position.
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period
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Time needed to complete one cycle of simple harmonic motion.
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wavelength
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The velocity of a wave divided by the frequency. Also the spatial period of a wave from crest to crest or compression to compression.
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trough
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The lowest point of a wave
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crest
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The highest point of a wave
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phase
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Two points on a wave that are one or more whole wavelengths apart.
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frequency
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The number of complete oscillations made by a wave in one second.
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medium
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The material or particles through which a wave passes.
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compression
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An increase in wave density.
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rarefraction
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A decrease in wave density.
