Transverse wave
A wave where the direction of the disturbance is at right angles to the direction of propagation
Longitudinal wave
A wave where the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth along the same line as the wave travels
Wavelength (λ)
The distance between successive crests (peaks) of a wave
Frequency (f)
The number of complete waves generated per second, measured in hertz (Hz)
Wave speed (v)
The distance moved in the direction of travel by a crest or any point on the wave in 1 second
Ray
A line drawn at right angles to a wavefront showing its direction of travel
Refraction
The change in direction of travel of waves occurring when their speed and wavelength change
Diffraction
The spreading of waves at the edges of obstacles
Interference (superposition)
The combination of waves to give a larger or smaller wave
Polarisation
An effect occurring only with transverse waves where vibrations are restricted to one plane
