Describing waves

1 mark · Easy

State what is meant by the amplitude of a wave.

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The maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium/rest position.

Also accept: Maximum movement of particles from their resting position; Maximum distance from rest position

Common mistakes: distance between crests (this is wavelength); speed of the wave

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Correct definition of amplitude (maximum displacement from equilibrium/rest position).

Worked solution

The amplitude is the maximum movement of a particle from its equilibrium (rest) position.