Characteristics of Waves Voc. Chap. 3

Front

Mechanical wave

Back

Disturbance in matter that carries energy from one place to another.

Front

Medium

Back

The material through which a wave travels.

Front

Crest

Back

The highest point of the wave above the rest position.

Front

Trough

Back

The lowest point below the rest position.

Front

Transverse wave

Back

Wave that causes the medium to vibrate at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels.

Front

Compression

Back

An area where the particles in a medium are spaced close together.

Front

Rarefaction

Back

An area where the particles in a medium are spread out.

Front

Longitudinal wave

Back

A wave in which the vibration of the medium is parallel to the direction the wave travels.

Front

Surface wave

Back

A wave that travels along a surface separating two media.

Front

Frequency

Back

The number of complete cycles in a given time.