Question

The distance in meters between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) in a wave is called the_______.

Short answer

The distance in meters between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) in a wave is called the $wavelength$.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the components of a wave

A wave consists of peaks (the highest points) and troughs (the lowest points). It moves through space, transferring energy from one point to another.

Identify the term defining the distance between consecutive peaks or troughs

The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave is called the wavelength, which is commonly denoted by the Greek letter λ (lambda). Thus, the answer to the exercise is 'wavelength'.

Key concepts

Understanding Wavelength

Waves are all around us, whether you’re listening to music, watching the ocean, or using your microwave. A wavelength is a key concept when it comes to understanding waves. It's the distance between two consecutive peaks (high points) or two consecutive troughs (low points) in a wave.
This distance is usually measured in meters. Picture a wave on the ocean: if you measure from the top of one wave to the top of the next, you have measured a wavelength. This measure gives waves their 'size'.
When discussing sound waves, light waves, or other forms of waves, the wavelength can tell us a lot about the wave's properties, like its frequency and energy. Lower wavelengths usually mean higher frequencies, and this inversely affects the properties of the wave.

Exploring Peaks and Troughs

Waves are characterized by their peaks and troughs. This is true for many types of waves including light and sound. A peak, also known as a crest, is the point of maximum amplitude or height in the wave's cycle.
On the flip side, a trough is where the wave hits its lowest point. Think of waves on the sea: the peaks are the highest points of the water, while the troughs dip down in between these peaks. These points help give structure and form to waves.
Understanding where these occur in a wave helps us visualize the movement and even the energy of the wave. The concept of peaks and troughs is not only important in physics, but also has applications in engineering and technology.

Energy Transfer in Waves

One of the primary functions of a wave is the transfer of energy from one point to another. This happens even though the particles within the medium through which the wave is traveling do not travel with the wave itself.
When you throw a stone into a pond, ripples spread outwards in a wave formation. Although water particles only slightly move up and down, energy moves across the pond, causing the ripple effect.

• Sound waves transfer energy through the air by vibrating air molecules back and forth.
• Light waves transfer energy through space, allowing us to see and feel warmth from the sun.

The understanding of energy transfer is critical in various technological applications, such as communication systems, where radio waves carry signals across great distances.