What is the definition of wavelength?

• A. The speed of the wave divided by frequency
• B. The distance from the beginning of the peak to the end of the valley
• C. The total energy of the wave
• D. The amplitude of the wave

Answer: (B)

The definition of wavelength is best represented by the understanding that it refers to the physical length of one complete cycle of a wave. This is typically measured as the distance from one peak of the wave to the next peak or the distance from one trough to the next trough. It is fundamental in wave mechanics and is crucial in contexts such as sound waves and electromagnetic waves.

While the other options discuss relevant properties of waves, they do not accurately define what wavelength is. For instance, the first choice describes a mathematical relationship used to calculate wavelength, while the third refers to the total energy, and the fourth addresses the amplitude, which is the height of the wave. None of these alternatives capture the essence of wavelength being the specific distance that characterizes wave behavior. Therefore, the accurate assessment of wavelength involves recognizing it as the distance from one peak to the next or its equivalent measures within a wave cycle.