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Waves
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Definitions for the Unit Test: Wavelength- The distance from crest to crest, trough to trough, or other equivalent distance in a wave. Rarefaction- The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are further apart then normal. Constructive Interference- two crests or two troughs interfere to produce a resultant displacement greater than the displacement by either wave itself. Pulse- A single wave movement. Frequency- The number of oscillations or vibrations per second. Cycle - one complete oscillation or vibration of a wave. Trough- The bottom of a transverse wave. Period- The time required to complete one cycle. Compression- The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closer together then normal. Medium- Material through which a mechanical wave travels. Refraction- Waves passed from one medium to another. The change in medium is accompanied by a change in speed and wavelength. Periodic Motion- A to-and-fro motion that repeats itself at regular intervals. Diffraction- the bending of waves around an object or through an opening. Wave- the transfer of energy in the form of a disturbance. Dispersion- The spreading out of waves as they travel away from the source. Longitudinal Waves- waves such as sound where the particles move or vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. Transverse Waves- waves such as water or slinky waves where the particles in the medium move or vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Amplitude- the distance from rest position or equilibrium to the crest or trough of a wave. Anti-nodes- double crests and double troughs in a standing wave. Standing Wave- reflected waves from the end of a medium interfering with incident waves so that specific points appear to be standing still. Interference- two or more waves acting simultaneously on the same particles of a medium. Crest- the top of a transverse wave. Nodes- points in a standing wave where the positive and negative pulses cancel each other resulting in areas of rest (no movement). Destructive Interference- a wave and a crest interfere to produce a resultant displacement less than the displacement by either wave itself. |