Amplitude
total distance a wave moves from its resting position
Compression
where the wave pushes the matter closer together
Crest
highest point of a wave
Diffraction
bending of a wave through an opening or around the edge of an object
Frequency
the number of times a wave passes a certain point in a given amount of time
Interference
when two or more waves arrive at the same point and occupy the same space
Longitudinal wave
oscillations (vibrations of the wave) are in the same direction as the wave (slinky, sound waves)
Mechanical wave
energy that travels through matter (e.g., sound, ocean waves, and earthquake waves)
Oscillation
vibration or movement of waves
Period
the time needed for one complete cycle of vibration to pass a given point
Rarefaction
where the wave pushes matter farther apart
Refraction
bending of a wave as it crosses the boundary between one medium and another
Transverse wave
oscillations (vibrations of the wave) are perpendicular to direction of the waves (string, water)
Trough
lowest point of a wave