Waves

Amplitude

The energy in a wave. Amplitude. Amplitude is the height of a wave from its middle point to its peak, indicating the wave's energy level.

Compression

Part of a wave where particles are pushed together. Compression. Compression is when particles in a material are squeezed closer together, like when you press down on a spring.

Diffraction

the bending of waves when they pass around a barrier or through an opening

Frequency

the number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz)

Interference

occurs when two waves meet and combine to form a new wave

Law of reflection

States that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Law of reflection. In simple terms, the law of reflection explains how light bounces off surfaces in a predictable way.

Longitudinal wave

A wave whose particles vibrate parallel to the direction in which the wave travels. Longitudinal wave. In a longitudinal wave, particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels, like sound waves in the air.

Mechanical wave

A wave that needs matter to travel, like sound waves and ocean waves. Mechanical wave. A mechanical wave is a type of wave that requires a medium to propagate, like air, water, or solid material.

Medium

the substance through which a wave can travel, like air, which carries sound waves

Rarefaction

The least dense region of a longitudinal wave rarefaction. Rarefaction is where particles are spread apart in a wave, creating a low-pressure area.

Reflection

The bouncing of light, sound, or heat waves off a surface. Reflection. It's when waves, like light, hit a surface and bounce back.

Refraction

The bending of light when it passes from one substance into another. Refraction. Refraction is when light changes direction as it moves from one material to another, like air to water, causing objects to look bent or distorted.

Resonance

An increase in the vibration amplitude of an object, caused by another object vibrating at the same frequency. Resonance occurs when an object vibrates at the same natural frequency as another, causing it to vibrate more strongly.

Standing wave

A wave that seems stationary, it forms when two waves of equal wavelength and amplitude cancel each other out. Standing wave. In simple terms, a standing wave is a pattern created when two identical waves pass through each other, appearing to stand still.

Transverse wave

A wave that moves particles of matter at right angles to its direction of travel. Transverse wave. A transverse wave is like a sideways ripple, where energy moves forward while particles vibrate up and down.

Trough

The lowest part on a transverse wave is called the trough. A trough is the point where the wave is at its minimum displacement from the rest position.

Wave

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Wave. A wave is a movement that carries energy from one place to another.

Wave crest

the highest point of a transverse wave

Wavelength

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves. Wavelength. Wavelength is the length of one complete wave cycle in a repeating wave pattern.