Introduction to Properties of Waves

Front

Wave Noun

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[wayv]

Back

Wave

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A repeating pattern that transfers energy from one place to another without transporting matter over the entire distance.

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Example: This diagram shows the parts of a wave, including crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength, helping to understand how waves transfer energy.

Front

Oscillation Noun

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[os-uh-ley-shuhn]

Back

Oscillation

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A repeating back-and-forth motion or disturbance that travels along with a transfer of energy.

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Example: A wave diagram showing oscillation with labeled wavelength, amplitude, crest, and trough.

Front

Medium Noun

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[mee-dee-uhm]

Back

Medium

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The substance or matter, such as a solid, liquid, or gas, through which a wave travels.

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Example: Sound waves travel through air, showing how the medium (air) allows wave motion.

Front

Mechanical Wave Noun

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[muh-kan-i-kuhl wayv]

Back

Mechanical Wave

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A type of wave that requires a medium, like a solid, liquid, or gas, to transfer energy.

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Example: Sound waves compress and expand air molecules, showing how mechanical waves need a medium to transfer energy.

Front

Electromagnetic Wave Noun

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[ih-lek-troh-mag-net-ik wayv]

Back

Electromagnetic Wave

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A type of wave that can transfer energy through empty space and does not require a medium.

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Example: Electromagnetic waves from the Sun travel through space to reach Earth, showing energy transfer without a medium.

Front

Transverse Wave Noun

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[trans-vurs wayv]

Back

Transverse Wave

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A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling.

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Example: The image shows a transverse wave with labels indicating the crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength, helping students understand how particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction.

Front

Longitudinal Wave Noun

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[lon-ji-too-dn-uhl wayv]

Back

Longitudinal Wave

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A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction the wave is traveling.

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Example: The image shows how sound waves compress and expand air molecules, demonstrating a longitudinal wave.

Front

Equilibrium Noun

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[ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uhm]

Back

Equilibrium

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The midline or undisturbed resting position of the medium through which a wave is traveling.

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Example: The image shows the equilibrium line as the midline of a wave, illustrating the resting position of the medium.

Front

Crest Noun

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[krest]

Back

Crest

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The highest point or peak that a wave reaches above its equilibrium position.

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Example: The crest is the highest point of a wave, shown clearly in the diagram.

Front

Trough Noun

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[trawf]

Back

Trough

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The lowest point or valley that a wave reaches below its equilibrium position.

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Example: The image shows a wave with labeled parts, highlighting the trough as the lowest point below the equilibrium.