These waves need a medium (matter) to travel.
Mechanical Waves
These waves do NOT need a medium to travel
electromagnetic waves
This measures how many waves pass a point in one second.
frequency
When a wave bounces off a surface
reflection
These signals change smoothly and continuously
analog signals
This type of mechanical wave moves particles back and forth parallel to the wave direction.
longitudinal wave
What two types of fields combine to create an electromagnetic wave?
magnetic and electric field
This is the distance from one wave crest to the next
wavelength
When a wave bends as it moves from one medium to another.
refraction
This wave is step like or a square wave
digital signal
This type of mechanical wave moves perpendicular to the wave direction.
Transverse Waves
This electromagnetic wave is used to send signals to radios and cell phones.
radio waves
As frequency increases, what does the wavelength do?
decreases
When a wave spreads out as it passes through an opening or around an object
diffraction
Small changes do not affect this kind of signal
digital wave
Frequency is measured in what unit?
At what speed do electromagnetic waves travel?
the speed of light
What is the distance from the midpoint to the height of a crest or trough.
amplitude
Light bending when it goes from air into water is an example of this.
refraction
An old radio or vinyl record is an example of this signal
analog signal
Wavelength is abbreviated by what Greek letter?
Lambda
What is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves called?
electromagnetic radiation
rarefaction
Hearing sound around a corner is an example of this wave behavior
diffraction
Computers and smartphones use this type of signal
digital signal