What is amplitude?
In GCSE physics, the amplitude of a wave is the distance between the peak or trough and the undisturbed position.
The amplitude of the wave is the distance between the peak of the wave and its undisturbed position. The undisturbed position lies along the x-axis.
Amplitude is sometimes described as the maximum displacement from the undisturbed position.
If you imagine the wave as a water wave, the undisturbed position is the flat, completely calm water. The amplitude measures how far away from this flat position the highest or lowest points on the wave are.
Amplitude is related to the amount of energy a wave transfers. For example, the greater the amplitude of a sound wave, the greater its volume.
Amplitude revision resources to ace your exams
You can strengthen your understanding of amplitude by using our revision notes tailored specifically for the AQA, Edexcel, WJEC and OCR exam boards.
You can practice wave questions and calculations with helpful guidance and examiner tips using our exam board specific GCSE Physics exam questions.
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Written by Leander Oates
Physics19 articlesLeander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.
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