Wavelength and amplitude
- Definition 1: Wavelength
The wavelength in a longitudinal wave is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase.
The wavelength in a longitudinal wave refers to the distance between two consecutive compressions or between two consecutive rarefactions.
- Definition 2: Amplitude
The amplitude is the maximum displacement from equilibrium. For a longitudinal wave which is a pressure wave this would be the maximum increase (or decrease) in pressure from the equilibrium pressure that is cause when a compression (or rarefaction) passes a point.
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The amplitude is the distance from the equilibrium position of the medium to a compression or a rarefaction.
