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State the Definition of Wavelength.

Answer – In physics, wavelength is defined as the distance between corresponding points in the same phase of two consecutive waves.

Explanation: 

Wavelength is typically represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is commonly measured in meters (m), centimeters (cm), or millimeters (mm). It is equal to the speed (v) of a wave train in a medium divided by its frequency (f): λ = v/f. Depending on the type of wave (transverse or longitudinal), the points for distance calculation differ. In a transverse wave, the distance is measured between two consecutive peaks (crests) or two consecutive troughs of the wave. In the case of longitudinal waves—where the medium particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation—wavelength is measured between two consecutive compressions (the region where particles are closest) or rarefactions (the region where particles are farthest).

A diagram of a transverse wave, where the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation
The wavelength of a transverse wave is determined by the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.
Image credit: Geoff Ruth / Wikimedia Commons (licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0)

Wavelength is a fundamental property of electromagnetic waves such as light, radio waves, and microwaves, as well as mechanical waves like sound waves. It helps determine various characteristics of the wave, such as its frequency and energy.


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