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Waves and Light Vocabulary

Use the following words and match them with the correct definition. Then, draw a picture for each
vocabulary word.
Mechanical Wave

Medium

Opaque

Reflect ion

Refraction

Wave

Absorption

Frequency

Wavelength

Amplitude

Transverse Waves

Pitch

Longitudinal Waves Wave Speed

Radio Waves

Microwaves

Infrared Radiation

X-Rays

Visible Light

Gamma Rays

Transparent

Translucent

Ultraviolet

Electromagnetic Spectrum
WORD

Electromagnetic Wave
DEFINITION

1.

Slightly shorter wavelengths than

violet light.

2.

The distance over which the waves

shape repeats and is measured by
the distance from one point on a
wave to an identical point later on
the wave.
All the colors of the EM spectrum
we can see.

3.
4.

A disturbance that transfers energy

from one place to another.

5.

Disturbances in electric and

magnetic fields.

6.

Light that has slightly longer

wavelengths than red light.
The change in direction of a wave
as it passes from one medium into
another at an angle.
Tells you how many cycles occur in
an amount of time, most commonly
1 second.
In this kind of wave, articles move
back and forth in the same direction
that the wave travels, or parallel to
the wave.
The material through which a wave
travels.

7.
8.
9.

10.
11.
12.

In this kind of wave, particles move

perpendicularly to the direction the
wave travels.
Materials do not let any light pass
through them.

PICTURE

13.

Matter that transmits light.

14.

Waves with the longest

wavelengths. Used to broadcast
many signals, including radio,
television, and alarm systems.
Waves that require a medium.

15.
16.

The transfer of light energy to

matter.

17.
18.

The range of frequencies (or

wavelengths) that an EM wave can
have.
The bouncing of light off a surface.

19.

The speed at which a wave travels.

20.

Can be used to treat illnesses and in

making medical images.

21.

A measure of how far particles in

the medium move away from their
normal rest position.
Can pass through most living
tissue, but are absorbed by bones.

22.
23.

24.
25.

Despite their name, not the shortest

EM waves. Besides heating food,
microwaves are used in cellular
phones.
The degree of highness or lowness
of a tone.
Materials transmit light but do not
let the light travel straight through.