What is the term used to describe the greatest distance particles are displaced from their normal resting position in a transverse wave? A. frequency B. amplitude C. period D. wavelength
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Amplitude
Explanation (300 words)
In a transverse wave, particles move perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is traveling. The wave itself has several important properties, including frequency, amplitude, period, and wavelength—each describing a different aspect of the wave’s behavior.
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a particle from its normal or rest position in a wave. This is the correct answer to the question. In simpler terms, amplitude is how “tall” or “strong” the wave is. For example, in a water wave, the amplitude is the height of the wave crest above the calm water level. It is a direct indicator of the energy the wave carries—the higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave transmits.
Let’s examine the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
- A. Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a point per unit time. It is measured in hertz (Hz) and does not describe how far particles move from their resting position.
- C. Period is the time it takes for one full wave cycle to pass a given point. It’s the inverse of frequency and also does not represent particle displacement.
- D. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive similar points on the wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough. It tells you how “long” a wave is, not how much individual particles move.
To summarize, amplitude measures the maximum displacement from rest, making it the correct term when asking about how far particles move in a transverse wave. Understanding amplitude is crucial in physics, music, engineering, and other fields because it relates directly to intensity, loudness, brightness, or energy—depending on the wave type (sound, light, etc.).