wavelength
WAYV-length
/ˈweɪv.lɛŋkθ/
The distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave; or a shared mutual understanding.
Determines the specific color of visible light and position on the electromagnetic spectrum; used metaphorically for aligned thinking.
The story behind the word. A compound word coined by 19th-century physicists as the wave nature of light and electromagnetic radiation became quantified through mathematics.
Word relationships
- frequency: Frequency counts wave cycles per second, which is inversely related to physical wavelength.
Commonly confused with
- amplitude: Amplitude is wave height; wavelength is horizontal spatial distance between wave crests.
Collocations
- visible wavelength
- short wavelength
- longer wavelength
- on the same wavelength
Idioms & expressions
- on the same wavelength
Example sentences
- "Red light has a longer wavelength than violet light, causing red to bend less during prism refraction." Physics of color
- "Working together on the research project, the two physicists realized they were on the exact same wavelength." Collaborative communication
Memory hook
Measure the LENGTH of the WAVE peak-to-peak. Distance between wave crests.
When not to use
Do not confuse with amplitude, which measures wave height rather than spatial period.
Fun facts
- Human eyes detect light wavelengths ranging roughly between 380 nanometers (violet) and 700 nanometers (red).
Related words
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