What does 'wavelength' measure?

Wavelength measures the distance between consecutive crests of a wave, which defines the spatial period of the wave. This same distance can also be measured between consecutive troughs, as both are points of repeating patterns in a wave. Wavelength is a fundamental characteristic of waves in various contexts, including sound and light waves, and is typically denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ).

Understanding wavelength is crucial in fields like physics and chemistry, as it directly relates to energy and frequency. Longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies and energy levels, while shorter wavelengths are associated with higher frequencies and energies.