Which one of the following statements best defines the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave?

• A. The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in the wave.
• B. The total energy carried by the wave per unit time.
• C. The speed at which the wave travels through a medium.
• D. The number of wave cycles that pass a given point per second.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave is a spatial measurement related to the wave's shape and structure.
2. Recall that a wave consists of repeating patterns called cycles, which include peaks (crests) and troughs (valleys).
3. Recognize that the wavelength is defined as the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on the wave, such as two consecutive peaks or two consecutive troughs.
4. Differentiate wavelength from other wave properties: energy relates to amplitude and frequency, speed is how fast the wave moves, and frequency is the number of cycles per second.
5. Conclude that the best definition of wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in the wave.