amplitude
the distance between a crest or trough and the horizontal line through the wave's center
transverse wave
a wave that moves matter up and down at right angles to the the wave's direction
reflection
the bouncing back of a wave that hits a surface
crest
the high point of a transverse wave
frequency
the number of waves that pass a certain point in a given amount of time
longitudinal wave
a wave that moves matter back and forth, in the same direction as the wave
refraction
the bending of a wave caused by a change in speed as the wave moves from one type of matter to another
wave
a rhythmic disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space
trough
the low point of a transverse wave
wavelength
the distance from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next wave
electromagnetic spectrum
the total range of radiant energy, which travels in electromagnetic waves
visible light
all the electromagnetic waves that people can see
prism
a triangle-shaped piece of glass that bends white light into its colors
infrared radiation
radiant energy with a longer wavelength and slower frequency than visible light
ultraviolet light
radiant energy with a shorter wavelength and faster frequency than visible light
opaque
not allowing light to pass through
translucent
letting some light through and scattering some light
transparent
letting almost all light pass through
convex lens
a lens thicker in the center than at the edges
concave lens
a lens thinner at the center than at the edges