Light and Sound Waves Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is the material through which a wave travels?

Back

Medium

Front

What is it called when a wave encounters an object in its path and bends around it?

Back

Diffraction

Front

What is the transfer of energy into a medium called?

Back

Absorption

Front

What are waves of energy made by vibrations that require a medium (air, water, or solids) to travel?

Back

Sound waves

Front

What phenomenon occurs when light passes through different mediums, such as when a pencil is placed in a cup of water?

Back

Refraction

Front

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

Back

Reflection

Front

What type of waves do not require a medium to travel?

Back

Electromagnetic waves

Front

What is the process called when sound waves spread out after passing through a narrow opening?

Back

Diffraction

Front

What is the term for the change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another?

Back

Refraction

Front

What is the name of the phenomenon where sound waves are absorbed by materials, reducing their intensity?

Back

Absorption