Amplitude of a radio wave is best described as:

Amplitude of a radio wave is best described as:

• A. The strength or power of the wave.
• B. The number of cycles per second.
• C. The speed of the wave.
• D. The phase angle of the wave.

Answer: (A)

Amplitude is the strength of a radio wave—the maximum extent of its oscillation, which corresponds to the electric field (and, for a given impedance, to the power delivered). In other words, a larger amplitude means a stronger signal and more power transmitted or received. This is distinct from frequency (cycles per second), speed (how fast the wave propagates), or phase (the wave’s position in its cycle at a reference time). So describing the wave by its strength or power best captures what amplitude measures.

Amplitude is the strength of a radio wave—the maximum extent of its oscillation, which corresponds to the electric field (and, for a given impedance, to the power delivered). In other words, a larger amplitude means a stronger signal and more power transmitted or received. This is distinct from frequency (cycles per second), speed (how fast the wave propagates), or phase (the wave’s position in its cycle at a reference time). So describing the wave by its strength or power best captures what amplitude measures.