Parts of a Wave
Vocabulary
Electromagnetic Waves
Math Practice
Behaviors of Waves
100

3. Where is the trough on a wave?

3. The bottom of the wave

100

*Not on study guide*

Define reflection

Reflection – light hits an object and bounces off.

100
9. If a light wave hits a mirror with an angle of 35o, at what angle would it be reflected?

9. 35o

100

16. A wave with a speed of 60 m/s and a wavelength of 3 meters is traveling through a medium. What is the frequency of the wave?

16. f = v/λ

60 m/s divided by 3 m

= 20 Hz

100

1. What are the two types of mechanical waves?

1. Transverse and Compressional (Longitudinal)

200

2. Where is the crest on a wave?

Bonus: what type of wave has a crest?

2. On the top of the wave

Bonus: Transverse waves 

200

*Not on study guide* 

Define absorption 

Bonus: how do we see colors through absorption?

Absorption – the light hits the object and is stopped.

Bonus: The color that is not absorbed, but reflected, is the one that we see

200

10. Describe how these materials interact with light waves.

a. Opaque

b. Transparent

c. Translucent

(10) a. Light is absorbed 

(10) b. Light goes straight through it (transmission)

(10) c. Some light is absorbed and some goes through

200

15. The wavelength of a wave is 0.2 m and the frequency is 5 Hz. What is the speed of the wave?


15. v = f x λ

5 Hz x 0.2 m

= 1 m/s

200

6. In which medium do sound waves travel best?

Bonus points: why?

6. Solids


Bonus: The particles are closer together in solids, when the sound waves travel through, the particles vibrate and transfer energy quicker.

300

What is the rarefaction on a compressional wave?

The areas that are more spaced out

300

*Not on study guide*

Define the Law of Reflection

Law of reflection – the angle at which a light wave hits a surface is the same angle at which it is reflected

300

8. What are three things that can happen to a light wave when it hits an object?

(8) A. Absorption

(8) B. Reflection

(8) C. Transmission

300

14. A wave travels at a speed of 300 m/s and has a frequency of 50 Hz. What is the wavelength of the wave?

14. λ = v/f 

300 m/s divided by 50 Hz

= 6 m

300

*Not on study guide* 

Change in _______ tells you how high or low a sound is.

Pitch

400

What is the compression on a compressional wave?

The area where the wave is dense/compressed

400

*Not on study guide*

Define transmission

Transmission – light hits the object and passes through

400

*Not on study guide*

Which electromagnetic wave can be seen by the human eye?

Visible light
400

*Not on study guide*

What is the speed of a wave that has a wavelength of 60 m and a frequency of 4 Hz?

v = f x λ

4 Hz x 60 m

= 240 m/s 

400

7. What type of wave cannot travel through a vacuum?

7. Sound waves

500

4. How would you find amplitude on a transverse wave?

5. How would you find amplitude on a compressional wave?

4. It is from the middle of the wave to the crest OR the middle to the trough

5. It is how close the particles are to one another

500

11. Define refraction and give an example of it.

11. Refraction – a wave hits a new medium and is bent.

Example: putting half of a spoon in water and it looks bent underwater. 

500

*Write it under question #16*

List the electromagnetic spectrum in order of longest wave to shortest wave

Bonus: which wave is the most dangerous?

Radio Wave - Microwave - Infrared - Visible Light - Ultraviolet - X-Rays - Gamma Rays 

Bonus: Gamma Rays

500

*Not on study guide*

A wave traveling in water has a wavelength of 750 m and a frequency of 2 Hz. How fast is this wave moving?

v = f x λ

2 Hz x 750 m

= 1500 m/s 

500

*Not on study guide* 

When two or more waves combine to make a new wave that is called ________________.

Interference

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