Fiveable
Fiveable

Wavelength

Definition

The distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a concert and the crowd is doing "the wave." The wavelength would be the distance between two people who are standing up and sitting down at the same time.

Related terms

Frequency: The number of complete waves passing a point per second.

Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position in a wave.

Crest: The highest point of a wave.



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.