Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Amplitude is the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. In chemistry, it often refers to the height of a wave, which indicates its energy.
Related terms
Peak: The highest point in a wave cycle, representing maximum positive displacement from equilibrium.
Trough: The lowest point in a wave cycle, representing maximum negative displacement from equilibrium.