Based on the provided reference, amplitude is a measurement of the vertical distance of the wave from the average.
Understanding Wave Amplitude
The amplitude of a wave is a fundamental characteristic that describes its size or intensity in terms of its vertical displacement. For a water wave, this refers to how high or low the surface gets relative to a central point.
According to the reference:
- Amplitude is specifically defined as "a measurement of the vertical distance of the wave from the average."
The Wave Axis
To understand amplitude, it's important to know about the wave axis. The reference clarifies this concept:
- "The wave axis is the average height of the wave over one cycle."
- "The wave axis... is usually considered to be zero."
This average height, or wave axis, serves as the baseline from which the vertical distance (amplitude) is measured.
Measuring Vertical Distance
The vertical distance is measured from this average line. The reference explains how values are assigned:
- "Heights above and below the average are given positive and negative values, respectively."
This means that the amplitude represents the magnitude of this vertical displacement, whether upwards (positive) or downwards (negative) from the wave axis.
Key Concepts Related to Amplitude
Here is a summary of the key points from the reference regarding water wave amplitude:
- Amplitude quantifies the vertical distance of the wave.
- This distance is measured from the average height of the wave.
- The average height over one cycle is called the wave axis.
- The wave axis is typically considered to be at a height of zero.
- Vertical distances above the wave axis are positive.
- Vertical distances below the wave axis are negative.
Conceptual Breakdown
To further illustrate the concepts described in the reference, consider the following breakdown:
| Term | Definition (Based on Reference) |
|---|---|
| Amplitude | Measurement of the vertical distance of the wave from the average |
| Wave Axis | Average height of the wave over one cycle |
| Average | The baseline from which amplitude is measured (usually zero) |
| Vertical Distance | The up or down displacement from the wave axis |
Understanding amplitude is crucial for describing the energy and behaviour of waves, including those on the surface of water.
