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Term 1
Definition 1
wave Speed
A measurement of how fast a wave
travels through a medium. Measured
by measuring the distance a given
point on the wave travels in a certain
amount of time. S=d/t
Term 2
Definition 2
reflection
Describes a change in the direction of
a wave that results when it "bounces"
of a barrier.
Term 3
Definition 3
refraction
Describes a change in the direction of
a wave as it travels from one medium
to another. Results in a reduction of
the speed of a wave as well.
Term 4
Definition 4
diffraction
Describes a change in the direction of
a wave as they mass through an
opening or a barrier.
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Term 5
Definition 5
wave interference
A phenomenon that occurs when two
waves meet while traveling in the
same medium.
Term 6
Definition 6
constructive interference
A type of interference that occurs
when two waves are traveling in the
same direction and have the same
displacement.
Term 7
Definition 7
destructive interference
A type of interference that occurs
when two waves are traveling in
opposite directions and have the same
displacement.
Term 8
Definition 8
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displacement
The act of an object moving, or being
moved, from its original position.
Term 9
Definition 9
mechanical wave
A type of wave that transfers energy
through a medium in a parallel motion.
Also called a compression wave.
Term 10
Definition 10
electromagnetic wave
A type of wave that transfers energy
without a medium in a perpendicular
motion. Also called a transverse wave.
Term 11
Definition 11
wave
A disturbance that transfers energy
from one location to another as it
travels through a medium.
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Term 12
Definition 12
frequency
How often the particles of a medium
vibrate when a wave passes through
the medium.
Term 13
Definition 13
crest
The point on a wave from rest to the
maximum positive displacement of a
transverse wave.
Term 14
Definition 14
medium
The physical environment that a
disturbance is moving through.
Term 15
Definition 15
hertz
The unit of measurement for
frequency (Hz). 1 Hz = 1
vibration/second
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Term 16
Definition 16
amplification
An increse in the amplitude of a
mechanical wave.
Term 17
Definition 17
trough
The point on a wave from rest to the
maximum negative displacement of a
transverse wave.
Term 18
Definition 18
compression
The point in a medium where a
longitudinal wave is traveling at it's
maximum density.
Term 19
Definition 19
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rarefaction
The point in a medium where a
longitudinal wave is traveling at it's
least dense.
Term 20
Definition 20
wavelength
The measurement of one wave cycle,
measured as the distance from crest
to crest, or from trough to trough.
Term 21
Definition 21
amplitude
The measurement of displacement a
particle experiences in a medium,
measured from rest to crest or trough.
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