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IPC Waves
Term | Definition |
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Wave | A disturbance traveling through a medium where energy is transferred from one particle of the medium to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself. |
Medium | The substance or material that carries a wave. Only mechanical waves require a medium. |
Mechanical waves | A wave that is not able to transmit its energy through a vacuum; they require a medium in order to transmit energy. |
Electromagnetic waves | A wave that is able to transmit its energy through a vacuum; they do not require a medium in order to transmit energy. |
Crest | The part of a wave with greatest magnitude; the highest part of a wave. |
Trough | The part of a wave with the least magnitude; the lowest part of a wave. |
Amplitude | measure of the size of the disturbance of a wave; height; half the full extent of a vibration, oscillation, or wave. |
Wavelength | The distance between one peak or crest of a wave and the next peak or crest. |
Frequency | the number of wavelengths that pass through a fixed point in one second; measured in Hertz |
Transverse wave | a wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its movement |
Longitudinal (compression) wave | A wave that is moving in the same direction as the displacement of the transmitting medium. |
Reflection | a wave behavior in which waves strike an object and bounce back off |
Refraction | The turning or bending of a wave when it passes from one medium into another |
Interference | occurs when two waves meet while traveling along the same medium and combine to form a new wave |
Constructive interference | Occurs when waves add up to make a larger amplitude. |
Destructive interference | Occurs when waves add up to make a smaller amplitude. |
Electromagnetic spectrum | The range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends. |