Final answer:
Gradient strength (amplitude) is measured in meters (m), which indicates the maximum displacement from a medium's equilibrium position. The amplitude relates to the wave's intensity, measured in decibels for sound waves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gradient strength (amplitude) is measured in units of distance, typically meters (m). The amplitude refers to the maximum displacement from the medium's equilibrium position, and for sinusoidal waves, it is one-half the distance from the peak to the trough. The amplitude of a wave is significant as it relates to the wave's intensity, which can be measured in decibels (dB) for sound waves, for instance. Intensity is a measure of energy transmitted per unit area per second and is directly proportional to the square of the wave's amplitude.
The term amplitude is also used to describe related concepts such as the deformation or displacement from equilibrium in a spring, and the symbol A is typically used to denote amplitude. Understanding amplitude and its measurement is essential in various physics applications, including acoustics and optics, where it relates to the properties like loudness of sound or brightness of light.