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Which distance defines the wavelength of a wave?
ABetween adjacent points in phase
BBetween a crest and the next trough
CBetween a crest and the rest line
DBetween the start and end of a wave
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Between adjacent points in phase
1. Two points are in phase when they are separated by a whole number of complete wave cycles.
2. The wavelength is the distance between any two adjacent points that are in phase.
3. Crest to crest and trough to trough are both examples of this same distance.
4. The distance from a crest down to the rest line is the amplitude, which is a different quantity.
_Source: Siyavula Physical Sciences Grade 10 (Everything Science, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 8: Transverse waves_