Mr. P, Physical Science
(said “lambda”) Symbol meaning “wavelength”
TT Symbol meaning “change in temperature”
Amplitude Distance from rest to crest in a transverse wave
Calorimetry The study of heat energy
Compression Part of a longitudinal wave where the medium is most “crunched” together and the energy is highest
CpCp Symbol meaning “specific heat capacity”
Crest The highest position of a transverse wave
Endothermic Describes a situation where heat is absorbed (it will feel cold)
Exothermic Describes a situation where heat is released (it will feel hot)
Frequency The number of waves that occur in a certain amount of time (usually per second)
Longitudinal Wave A 1-dimensional wave; the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction that energy is traveling
Medium The empty space or substance that a wave travels through
Q Symbol meaning “amount of heat”
Rarefaction Part of a longitudinal wave where the medium is least “crunched” together and the energy is lowest
Specific Heat Capacity The amount of heat (in Joules) needed to raise 1 g of a substance 1 °C
System Parts working together using energy; can be “closed” or “open”
Transverse Wave A 2-dimensional wave; the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction that energy is traveling
Trough The lowest position of a transverse wave
Wave These are evidence that energy is traveling from place to place
Wavelength Distance from compression to compression in a longitudinal wave, or crest to crest in a transverse wave