Which phrase correctly defines the amplitude of a wave?(1 point)
Which answer is the best?
a) the vertical distance from the trough of a wave to the crest
b) the horizontal distance from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next wave
c) the vertical distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the equilibrium
d) the horizontal distance from the trough of one wave to the trough of the next wave
c) the vertical distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the equilibrium.
The correct answer is:
c) the vertical distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the equilibrium
To determine the correct answer, let's break down the options and understand what they mean:
a) the vertical distance from the trough of a wave to the crest
This option describes the distance between the lowest point (trough) and the highest point (crest) of a wave. It is a measure of the wave's height.
b) the horizontal distance from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next wave
This option is not related to amplitude. It describes the wavelength of a wave, which is the distance between two corresponding points (such as crests or troughs) of consecutive waves.
c) the vertical distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the equilibrium
This option correctly defines the amplitude of a wave. The equilibrium refers to the resting position or the midpoint of a wave, and the amplitude is the distance between the equilibrium and either the crest or trough.
d) the horizontal distance from the trough of one wave to the trough of the next wave
Similar to option b, this answer describes the wavelength of a wave, not the amplitude.
Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is:
c) the vertical distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the equilibrium