Waves
A repeated disturbance that transports energy without the transport of matter.
Medium
A substance that allows waves to move. Ex: air or water
Mechanical Waves
Waves that require a medium. These waves travel when molecules in the medium collide with each other passing on energy.
Electromagnetic Waves
Waves that can travel through the vacuum of outer space.
Energy
the ability to do work or cause change
Matter
all substances of the universe that can be seen, touched, or measured
Vibrations
moving over the same path over the course of time. Its motion repeats itself over and over again
Transverse Waves
waves where the disturbance moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave. You can think of the wave moving left to right, while the disturbance moves up and down.
Longitudinal Wave
Waves are waves where the disturbance moves in the same direction as the wave.
Wavelength
the distance between two points in the progression of a wave, especially of sound, electromagnetism, or the like.
Trough
The lowest part (bottom) of the wave. The point of maximum downward displacement from the rest position.
Crest
The highest point (top) of the wave. The point of maximum upward displacement from rest position.
Frequency
How often a wave occurs or the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time.
Amplitude
The maximum height or distance moved by a point on a wave from its equilibrium (rest) position. Ex: Rest to crest