Science Vocabulary 3 Week 3

amplitude The distance the particles in a wave move away from their rest positions.

constructive interference Any interference in which waves combine so that the resulting wave is bigger than the original wave

destructive interference Any interference in which waves combine so that the resulting wave is smaller than the largest of the original waves

diffraction The bending of waves as they pass through an opening or around the edge of an object.

longitudinal wave     the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth along the path that the wave follows

reflection The bouncing back or change in direction of a wave after it strikes a barrier or an object. This may also be called an echo.

refraction The bending of waves(light or sound) when passing from one medium to another.

seismic waves waves generated by an earthquake that travel through Earth or along its surface

standing wave    a pattern of vibration that simulates a wave that is standing still

transverse wave Waves that moves at right angles to the direction in which the waves are traveling. Example: When you make a wave on a rope

wave speed The speed at which a wave passes through a medium.

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

rarefaction The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are far apart.

medium The matter through which a wave travels.

compression The area where particles or air are pushed closer together as a result of being near something that is vibrating.