Mechanical Waves : All kinds of waves transmit energy, including the waves that are not visible. This relates to the sound that the waves you create when you speak, and the light waves that reflect.

Transverse Waves : A wave, is a rhythmic disturbance that carries energy through matter and space. A wave pulse is simply a single bump or disturbance that travels through the medium. Basically, a Transverse Wave is the wave that vibrates in a perpendicular direction of the wave of motion.

Longitudinal & Surface Waves : The disturbance in the same direction (parallel) to the direction of wave. Surface waves have characteristics of both transverse and longitudinal waves.

Wavelength: The shortest distance between points where the pattern repeats itself.

Troughs: The lowest part of the wave between its crest.

Crests: The highest point of the wave.

Period and Frequency: Frequency is the Hertz (abbreviated Hz) where 1 Hz is equivalent to 1 second. Period relates to the time for a particle on a medium to make one complete vibrational cycle (T)

Refraction: Refraction is the change in direction of waves that occurs when waves travel from one medium to another. Refraction is also always accompanied by a wavelength and speed change.

Compression: Instead of crests and troughs, longitudinal waves have compressions and rarefactions. A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Amplitude: The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the center line (or the still position) to the top of a crest or to the bottom of a trough.