Wavelength

Two different wavelengths

Wavelength is the measure of the length of a wave of electromagnetic energy.  As shown in the illustration, wavelength is often represented as a transverse wave (an s on its side).   A complete “wavelength” is the distance from the same point on two consecutive wave ripples or cycles.

A wavelength is also characterized by the following:

• Length can be measured in meters, centimeters, millimeters or nanometers
• Wavelengths are influenced by frequencies and amplitudes of waves.
• Sometimes represented by the Greek letter lambda  λ