Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or distance from equilibrium position that a particle in a wave moves. It represents the energy carried by the wave.
Related terms
Intensity: The amount of energy per unit area carried by a wave.
Crest and Trough: The highest and lowest points respectively on a transverse wave.
Loudness: How loud or soft a sound appears to be, which is related to the amplitude of sound waves.