Final answer:
The amplitude of a wave measures the maximum displacement from the center line to the peaks, representing peak strength and is a fundamental wave characteristic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total distance from the center line of a waveform to the maximum positive or negative peaks is known as the amplitude of the wave. It is a measure of the maximum displacement of the medium from its equilibrium position. For a wave depicted in a linear medium, when the wave is symmetrical, the crest is a distance +A above the equilibrium position, and the trough is a distance -A below it, with 'A' representing the amplitude.
As the wave cycles through its phases, the amplitude corresponds to the point on the wave at the very top or the very bottom of the curve, also described as the maximum deformation of the wave. Whether the wave represents oscillations in an electric field, such as those produced by an antenna, or mechanical waves in a medium like water, the concept of amplitude applies universally and is crucial for understanding wave behavior.
In summary, amplitude, represented by 'A', indicates the peak strength of a wave and is a fundamental characteristic that can be measured in units such as meters or centimeters.