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wavelength

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests of a wave. It is measured in meters. Wavelength is important because it determines how fast the wave travels and how much energy it carries.

For example, the wavelength of a sound wave determines how high or low the pitch of the sound is. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the pitch.

How can the word be used?

The wavelength of sound is the distance between two successive compressions of the sound wave.

wavelength

Different forms of the word

Noun: the distance between two successive peaks of a wave.

Etymology

The word "wavelength" comes from the combination of the words "wave" and "length".

The word "wave" comes from the Old English word "wāgan", which means "to move to and fro".

The word "length" comes from the Old English word "lengthe", which means "the extent of something from end to end".

The first recorded use of the word "wavelength" was in the 19th century.

Question

What happens when a wave length chances?