To find the amplitude of a wave function from its graph, you need to identify the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. The amplitude represents the maximum magnitude of the oscillation or the distance from the equilibrium position to the crest (maximum positive displacement) or trough (maximum negative displacement) of the wave.
Here are the steps to find the amplitude from a wave function graph:
Locate the highest point (crest) on the graph. This is where the wave reaches its maximum positive displacement.
Locate the lowest point (trough) on the graph. This is where the wave reaches its maximum negative displacement.
Measure the vertical distance between the equilibrium position (the line representing zero displacement) and either the crest or the trough. This distance represents the amplitude.
The amplitude is typically represented as a positive value, so you can ignore the negative sign if you measured the distance from the trough.
Alternatively, if the wave function is represented by an equation, the amplitude can be obtained directly from the equation by identifying the coefficient of the term that multiplies the sine or cosine function.
Remember that the amplitude represents the magnitude of the oscillation, not the distance covered by the wave in a given time. It is a measure of the wave's intensity or strength.