Waves Vocabulary

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave that moves the medium in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A wave that requires a medium through which to travel.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance between two corresponding parts of a wave.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

Transverse waves that transfer electrical and magnetic energy.

Front

What is a longitudinal (compression) wave?

Back

A wave that moves a medium in a direction parallel to the direction in which the wave travels.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the medium moves from its rest position in a wave.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.

Front

What is the medium in the context of waves?

Back

The substance through which a wave travels.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.