Amplitude
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Amplitude
The distance from the center of the wave to the top of one of its peaks.
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Frequency
Frequency is the number of complete repeating cycles per unit time. It is measured in hertz, meaning cycles per second, and is the reciprocal of the period. For example, a vibrating string with a higher frequency produces more cycles each second.
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Wavelength
Wavelength is the spatial distance between neighboring points at the same phase of a periodic wave. It connects propagation speed and frequency through speed equal to frequency times wavelength. For example, neighboring crests of a sinusoidal water wave are separated by one wavelength.