Waves Vocabulary

1. Transverse Waves

1.1. A wave the oscillates perpendicular to the axis along which the waves travel.

2. Rarefaction

2.1. A decrease in density and pressure in a medium, such as air.

3. Compression

3.1. The action or state of being squished.

4. X-Ray

4.1. electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target.

5. Crest

5.1. Reach a high point.

6. Trough

6.1. The part of a wave with the least magnitude.

7. Radio Waves

7.1. An electromagnetic wave of a frequency between about 104 and 1011 or 1012 Hz, as used for long-distance.

8. Microwaves

8.1. An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 0.001–0.3 m. Microwaves are used in radar, in communications, and for heating.

9. Mechanical Waves

9.1. A mechanical wave requires a medium. Sound waves, waves in a Slinky and pressure waves are all examples of this phenomenonA mechanical wave requires a medium. Sound waves, waves in a Slinky and pressure waves are all examples of this phenomenon.

10. Electromagnetic waves

10.1. radiation consisting of waves of energy associated with electric and magnetic fields.

11. Longitudinal Waves

11.1. A wave that oscillates back and fourth.

12. WaveLength

12.1. The distance between one peak or crest of a wave and the next peak or crest.

13. Infrared Waves

13.1. A wave with a frequency between 300 GHz and 400 THz; usually used for short-range communications.

14. Amplitude

14.1. Refers to the length and width of a wave.

15. Gamma Ray

15.1. The most powerful wave of all ways.