Study Guide 1 for Waves, Sound and Light
As we cover each word in class, make a flashcard for that term. Remember to go beyond just
the definition. Review your flashcards on a regular basis.
Notice the terms are grouped to show relationships.
Part 1
Wave
Mechanical wave
Crest
Amplitude
Reflection
Medium
Transverse wave
Trough
Wavelength
Refraction
Longitudinal wave
Rest
Frequency
Diffraction
Interference__
Speed of Sound
Doppler Effect
Vacuum
Hertz
Part 2
Sound
Pitch
Infrasound
Resonance
Intensity
Vibration
Frequency
Ultrasound
Acoustics
Amplitude
Decibel_____________________________
Part 3
Electromagnetic Waves
Luminous
Incandescence
Transmission
Point light source
Transparent
Primary light
Additive color mix
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Nonluminous
Luminescence
Reflection
Diffuse light source
Translucent
Primary pigments
Subtractive color mix
Apparent Brightness
Absorption
Opaque
Color Filter
Shadow
Part 1
Describe how energy moves as a wave, highlighting different wave types and wave
characteristics.
Suggest an effective way to model waves of energy.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Part 2
Explain how wave characteristics (amplitude/frequency) affect sound.
Describe how sound travels and how it can be affected by phase of matter.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Part 3
Be familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum – focusing on the differences between the visible
and invisible (infrared and ultraviolet) spectra.
Explain how light travels and describe how our eyes detect it.
Explain how and why the apparent brightness of light changes with distance.
Show how shadow size changes as the variables (the light source, the object causing the
shadow, the surface the shadow is cast on) change location.
Describe the effects transparent, translucent and opaque objects have on light. Name some
practical uses for each material.
Illustrate in diagram and words how objects appear a certain color. Do the same for instances
when color filters are involved.
Name the primary and secondary colors of light. Explain how they are different than primary
pigments.
Explain the difference between subtractive and additive color mixing.