What is wave amplitude?

Wave amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.

In physics, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, transferring energy from one point to another. The amplitude of a wave is a measure of its strength or intensity. It is defined as the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. In other words, it is the distance between the crest or trough of a wave and its rest position.

The amplitude of a wave can be measured in different units, depending on the type of wave. For example, for a sound wave, the amplitude is measured in decibels (dB), while for an electromagnetic wave, it is measured in volts per meter (V/m). The amplitude of a wave can also be expressed as a percentage of its maximum value.

The amplitude of a wave is an important property that affects its behaviour and how it interacts with other waves and objects. For example, the amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness, while the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave determines its brightness. In addition, the amplitude of a wave can be used to calculate other properties, such as its frequency, wavelength, and energy.