amplitude

[ˈæmplɪtjuːd]

amplitude Definition

• 1. the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium
• 2. the magnitude of a quantity, especially force or electric current, as measured on a logarithmic scale

Using amplitude: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "amplitude" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The amplitude of the sound wave determines its volume.

• Example

  The amplitude of the earthquake was recorded at 7.2 on the Richter scale.

• Example

  The amplitude of the electric current is measured in amperes.

amplitude Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for amplitude

• magnitude
• extent
• range
• size
• breadth

Phrases with amplitude

• amplitude modulation

  a method of transmitting signals by changing the amplitude of a carrier wave

  Example

  AM radio uses amplitude modulation to transmit audio signals.

• amplitude spectrum

  a representation of a signal in terms of its amplitude components

  Example

  The amplitude spectrum of the sound wave showed a peak at 1000 Hz.

• amplitude shift keying

  a digital modulation technique that varies the amplitude of a carrier wave to represent binary data

  Example

  ASK is a simple form of amplitude modulation used in digital communication systems.

Origins of amplitude

from Latin 'amplitudo', meaning 'breadth'

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Summary: amplitude in Brief

In physics, 'amplitude' [ˈæmplɪtjuːd] refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, or the magnitude of a quantity like force or electric current. It is often measured on a logarithmic scale and can be used to describe phenomena like sound waves or earthquakes. Phrases like 'amplitude modulation' and 'amplitude spectrum' refer to specific techniques for transmitting or analyzing signals. 'Amplitude' is a formal term that can be used interchangeably with 'magnitude' or 'extent.'