Amplitudë

Amplitudë is a term used in physics and engineering to describe the maximum displacement or extent of oscillation, from the equilibrium position, of a wave or an oscillating object. It is a measure of the intensity or strength of a wave or vibration. For instance, in a sound wave, amplitudë determines the loudness; a higher amplitudë corresponds to a louder sound. In a light wave, amplitudë is related to the brightness of the light.

Mathematically, amplitudë is typically represented by the symbol 'A' and is often a positive scalar value. For simple harmonic motion, such as a mass on a spring or a pendulum, amplitudë is the maximum distance the object moves from its resting position. In the context of waves, it is the peak deviation of the wave's value from its zero position. The square of the amplitudë is often proportional to the energy carried by the wave. For example, the intensity of a sound wave is proportional to the square of its amplitudë. Changes in amplitudë can be gradual, as in a damped oscillation where it decreases over time, or abrupt, as in certain types of wave interference.