Wave Reflection Absorption and Transmittance MS-PS4-1

Grade 8 - NGSS - CA

The energy in a wave

Amplitude

The energy in a wave. Amplitude. Amplitude is the height of a wave from its rest position and shows how strong or intense the wave is.

The transfer of energy from a wave to an object, like sound energy when it hits a wall

Energy absorption

The transfer of energy from a wave to an object, like sound energy when it hits a wall, is called energy absorption. Energy absorption is when an object takes in energy from waves, like a sponge soaking up water.

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz)

Frequency

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz Hz, is called frequency. Frequency tells us how often something repeats in a certain amount of time, like how many times a wave moves up and down in one second.

Occurs when two waves meet and combine to form a new wave

Interference

Occurs when two waves meet and combine to form a new wave. Interference. It's like two waves in the ocean meeting to create a bigger wave or cancel each other out.

The substance through which a wave can travel, like air, which carries sound waves

Medium

The substance through which a wave can travel, like air, which carries sound waves, is called a medium. In simple terms, a medium is the material that waves move through.

A wave that moves particles of matter at right angles to its direction of travel

Transverse wave

A wave that moves particles of matter at right angles to its direction of travel is called a transverse wave. Transverse waves move up and down while traveling forward, like how a snake moves across the ground.

The lowest part on a transverse wave

Trough

The lowest part on a transverse wave is called the trough. In simple terms, a trough is the bottom point of a wave, like the dip between two crests.

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space

Wave

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Wave. A wave is a way energy moves from one place to another.

The highest point of a transverse wave

Wave crest

The highest point of a transverse wave. Wave crest. The wave crest is the top part of a wave where it reaches its maximum height.

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves

Wavelength

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves. Wavelength. Wavelength is the length between two high points crests of a wave.