Waves

Waves

1. a disturbance involving the transfer of energy from place to place

2. Medium

   • the material through which a wave travels
     • wavelength:the distance between two corresponding parts of a wave

3. Energy

   • The ability to do work
   • Required for waves to move

4. Mechanical waves

   • waves that require a medium

5. Transverse waves

   • a wave that vibrates the medium at right angles or perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels
   • a wave that vibrates the medium at right angles or perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels
   • crest: highest point
   • trough: lowest point

6. Longitudinal waves

   • vibrates the meduim in the same direction in which the wave travels
   • compression: particles are close together on a longitudinal wave
   • rarefaction: particles are far apart on a longitudinal wave

7. amplitude: the maximum distance the medium vibrates from the rest position

8. hertz: number of waves per second, unit used to measure frequency (Hz)