What is the amplitude of a sound wave?

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a sound wave. Higher amplitude → louder sound; lower amplitude → softer sound. It’s usually measured in pascals (Pa) for pressure waves.

Great question! In simple terms, the amplitude of a sound wave is a measure of how intense or powerful the sound is. * Definition: Amplitude is the maximum displacement or distance moved by a point on a vibrating wave or medium from its position of rest (the equilibrium point). * What it determines: It directly relates to the loudness or volume of the sound. * High Amplitude = Loud Sound (a booming drum beat) * Low Amplitude = Quiet Sound (a whisper) If you look at a sine wave graph representing a sound, the amplitude is the height of the wave from the center line to the peak or trough. In the context of hearing, amplitude is often measured on a logarithmic scale in decibels ($\text{dB}$), which is how we perceive loudness.