Essential Science Vocabulary: Physical Science: Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism

Whether you want to brush up on biology, study space science, or prep for a physics test, this collection of science vocabulary is for you! Our lists cover essential terms and concepts from all major scientific disciplines.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. amplitude
    the maximum displacement of a periodic wave
  2. circuit
    an electrical device providing a path for current to flow
  3. compression
    an increase in the density of something
  4. crest
    the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
  5. current
    a flow of electricity through a conductor
  6. diffraction
    process by which light changes passing through a narrow slit
  7. electricity
    a physical phenomenon that can produce light, heat and power
  8. emission
    the act of causing to flow forth
  9. frequency
    the number of occurrences within a given time period
  10. magnet
    a device that attracts iron and produces lines of force
  11. magnetism
    attraction for iron
  12. medium
    an intervening substance through which something is achieved
  13. particle
    a body having finite mass but negligible dimensions
  14. period
    the interval to complete one cycle of a repeating phenomenon
  15. pole
    one of the two ends of a magnet where magnetism is strongest
  16. radiation
    energy transmitted in the form of rays or waves or particles
  17. rarefaction
    a decrease in the density of something
  18. reflection
    the phenomenon of a wave being thrown back from a surface
  19. refraction
    the change in direction of a propagating wave
  20. spectrum
    an ordered array of the components of an emission or wave
  21. trough
    a narrow depression, as between waves
  22. ultraviolet
    having wavelengths shorter than light but longer than X-rays
  23. wave
    (physics) a movement up and down or back and forth
  24. wavelength
    distance between successive crests of a periodic disturbance
  25. x-ray
    an electromagnetic wave of short wavelength
Created on Wed Aug 04 10:05:39 EDT 2021 (updated Wed Aug 04 10:44:42 EDT 2021)

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