Introduction to Psychology 1/IPSY101/Amplitude and wavelength

Amplitude and wavelength
Two physical characteristics of a wave are amplitude and wavelength (Figure 5.4). The amplitude of a wave is the height of a wave as measured from the highest point on the wave (peak or crest) to the lowest point on the wave (trough). Wavelength refers to the length of a wave from one peak to the next. Figure 5.4 The amplitude or height of a wave is measured from the peak to the trough. The wavelength is measured from peak to peak. Wavelength is directly related to the frequency of a given wave form. Frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a given point in a given time period and is often expressed in terms of hertz (Hz), or cycles per second. Longer wavelengths will have lower frequencies, and shorter wavelengths will have higher frequencies.