< Back

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

amplitude

Definition

Amplitude is the maximum distance that a wave travels from its resting position. It is measured in meters or centimetres.

Amplitude is one of the most important properties of a wave. It determines how much energy the wave carries. Waves with a large amplitude have more energy than waves with a small amplitude.

For example, the amplitude of a sound wave determines how loud the sound is. The amplitude of a light wave determines how bright the light is.

Imagine that you are riding a swing. The amplitude of your swing is the distance that you travel from the highest point to the lowest point. The higher the amplitude of your swing, the more energy you have. In the same way, the amplitude of a wave determines how much energy the wave has. Waves with a large amplitude have more energy than waves with a small amplitude.

How can the word be used?

The amplitude of the sound wave increased as the distance from the source decreased.

amplitude

Different forms of the word

Noun: amplitude.

Adjective: amplitudinous.

Verb: amplify.

Adverb: amply.

Etymology

The word "amplitude" comes from the Latin word amplitudo, which means "largeness" or "breadth." The word amplitudo is made up of the prefix ampli, which means "large," and the noun tudo, which means "state of being.".

Question

Use the word amplitude in a sentence.