Amplitude A wave’s intensity; the maximum distance a wave carries the particles of a medium from its original position.

Electromagnetic Wave (or Light Wave) A disturbance that can carry energy from one place to another through a medium, or through a vacuum. 

Energy The ability to do work. Examples of energy include light, sound, heat, and electricity.

Frequency The number of waves produced during a given amount of time.

Longitudinal Wave  A wave in which the particles of the medium move in the same direction as the wave itself is moving.

Mechanical Wave A disturbance that carries energy from one place to another through a medium—a liquid, gas, or solid.

Medium Matter—such as a liquid, gas, or solid—that mechanical waves carry energy through.

Particle A tiny portion of matter. When waves carry energy through a medium, the waves move the particles of the medium temporarily.

Seismic Wave A wave that carries energy during an earthquake.

Transverse Wave  A wave in which the particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction the wave itself is moving.

Wave a disturbance that carries energy from one place to another.

Wavelength The distance between any point on a wave to an identical point on the next wave.