LOTS 5: Waves and Calorimetry

Mr. P, Physical Science

(said “lambda”)Symbol meaning “wavelength”

TSymbol meaning “change in temperature”

AmplitudeDistance from rest to crest in a transverse

wave

CalorimetryThe study of heat energy

CompressionPart of a longitudinal wave where the medium

is most “crunched” together and the energy is highest

CpSymbol meaning “specific heat capacity”

CrestThe highest position of a transverse wave

EndothermicDescribes a situation where heat is absorbed

(it will feel cold)

ExothermicDescribes a situation where heat is released

(it will feel hot)

FrequencyThe number of waves that occur in a certain

amount of time (usually per second)

Longitudinal WaveA 1-dimensional wave; the particles of the

medium move parallel to the direction that energy is traveling

MediumThe empty space or substance that a wave

travels through

QSymbol meaning “amount of heat”

RarefactionPart of a longitudinal wave where the

medium is least “crunched” together and the energy is lowest

Specific Heat CapacityThe amount of heat (in Joules) needed to

raise 1 g of a substance 1 °C

SystemParts working together using energy; can be

“closed” or “open”

Transverse WaveA 2-dimensional wave; the particles of the

medium move perpendicular to the direction that energy is traveling

TroughThe lowest position of a transverse wave

WaveThese are evidence that energy is traveling

from place to place

WavelengthDistance from compression to compression in

a longitudinal wave, or crest to crest in a transverse wave