What is wavelength?

Wavelength is defined as the distance between two consecutive points of a wave that are in phase, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough. This characteristic is crucial in understanding wave phenomena, as it determines the wave's properties, including its frequency and energy. In physical science, wavelength is often denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ).

Knowing the wavelength of a wave is essential for applications in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and communications, as it affects how waves interact with each other and with the environments they travel through. For instance, in the context of light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors, while in sound, wavelength influences pitch. Understanding this concept can help in studying wave behavior, resonance, and the overall dynamics of wave systems.