What is wavelength a measure of?

Wavelength is a fundamental property of waves, and it specifically measures the distance between two successive points that are in phase, such as two consecutive peaks or troughs. When observing a wave, the wavelength represents the length of one complete cycle of the wave, which is crucial for describing its behavior and determining its energy and frequency.

In the context of waves, knowing the wavelength helps in understanding various wave phenomena such as interference and diffraction. In many applications, particularly in physics and engineering, this measurement is essential for analyzing wave motion, sound, light, and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, the context of wavelength aligns clearly with measuring the distance between consecutive peaks in a wave, confirming the accuracy of this understanding.