What property of waves is defined as the distance between consecutive crests?

Study for the SDI Introduction to Physical Science Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, and access hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get ready for your exam!

The property of waves defined as the distance between consecutive crests is known as wavelength. Wavelength is a key characteristic of waves, representing the physical length of one complete cycle of the wave. In the context of a wave, the crests represent the highest points of the wave, and measuring the distance between these crests helps to determine how spread out the wave is in space.

Wavelength affects various properties of waves, such as their frequency and energy. For example, in a sinusoidal wave, the wavelength is inversely related to frequency – as the wavelength increases, the frequency of the wave decreases, and vice versa. Understanding wavelength is essential in many fields, including physics and engineering, as well as in applications involving sound, light, and other wave phenomena.

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