What is the term for the length of a wave measured from peak to peak?

Wavelength is the term used to describe the length of a wave measured from peak to peak, or from any corresponding point on one wave to the next. It represents the distance over which the wave's shape repeats and is a critical factor in the study of waves in physics, including light and sound waves. Wavelength is typically measured in meters and is an essential concept in understanding the behavior of waves, their energy, and their interactions with various media.

In contrast, amplitude refers to the height of the wave from the center line to its peak, which indicates the strength or intensity of the wave. Frequency pertains to how often the wave cycles occur in a given time period, measured in hertz (cycles per second), indicating the number of wavelengths that pass a point in one second. Velocity denotes the speed at which the wave propagates through a medium. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as each term describes different properties of waves that are fundamental to fields like physics and engineering.