Question

Amplitude of a transverse wave is a measure from _______?

1) top of crest to top of crest
2) equiLiBrium position to top of crest
3) trough to crest
4) bottom of trough to compression

Answer 1

The amplitude of a transverse wave is the measure from the equilibrium position to the top of the crest, which represents the maximum displacement of a particle in a wave from its rest position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amplitude of a transverse wave is a measure from the equilibrium position to the top of the crest. If we refer to the activity on amplitude, this is elucidated further. The amplitude is the characteristic height of the wave above or below the equilibrium position and is typically represented by the symbol A. In essence, the amplitude (A) is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position to a crest, and it's the same distance from the equilibrium position to a trough since transverse waves are usually symmetrical in form.

Providing examples based on the question:

1. The amplitude is not measured from the top of the crest to the top of the crest, which is the wavelength.
2. The amplitude is measured from the equilibrium position to the top of the crest, which represents the maximum displacement of the wave above the equilibrium position.
3. Although the amplitude can be visually understood as the vertical distance from trough to crest, this distance is double the amplitude.
4. Amplitude is associated with displacement in transverse waves, not with compression as mentioned in the fourth option. Compressions are related to longitudinal waves.