Wavelength and amplitude are two distinct properties of a sine wave, which is a fundamental type of periodic waveform. They describe different aspects of the wave's behavior:
- Wavelength: The wavelength of a sine wave is the spatial period of the wave, i.e., the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (e.g., two consecutive crests or troughs). It is denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ). Wavelength is typically measured in meters (or any other unit of length) and represents the distance the wave travels to complete one full cycle.
In the graphical representation of a sine wave, the wavelength is the horizontal distance between two identical points on the wave, such as between two consecutive peaks or troughs. Wavelength is inversely related to frequency: the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency, and vice versa. The relationship between wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) is given by the wave equation:
λ = c / f
where: λ = wavelength, c = speed of light in the medium (or the propagation speed of the wave), f = frequency.
- Amplitude: The amplitude of a sine wave is the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position (the central or undisturbed position). It represents the magnitude of the wave's oscillation. In simple terms, the amplitude is the "height" of the wave from the equilibrium position to the highest point (crest) or lowest point (trough).
In the graphical representation of a sine wave, the amplitude is the vertical distance from the equilibrium position to the peak or trough of the wave. The amplitude determines the energy carried by the wave; higher amplitudes represent waves with more energy, while lower amplitudes represent waves with less energy.
To summarize, the main difference between wavelength and amplitude in a sine wave is:
- Wavelength: Represents the spatial period of the wave, describing the distance between two consecutive identical points on the wave (e.g., peaks or troughs).
- Amplitude: Represents the magnitude of the wave's oscillation, describing the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position.