alleryStart learning →What does the wavelength of a wave measure?
AThe height of a crest above the trough
BThe time between one crest and the next
CThe speed at which a crest travels along
DThe distance between adjacent identical parts
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The distance between adjacent identical parts
1. Wavelength is a length, measured parallel to the direction the wave travels.
2. It is the distance between adjacent identical parts of the wave, for example crest to next crest.
3. The time between one crest and the next is the period, which is measured in seconds instead.
4. Crest height above equilibrium is the amplitude, which is a different length altogether.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Oscillatory Motion and Waves", section 16.9 Waves_
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