Question

The distance between a crest and the next trough in a transverse wave is (in terms of wavelength $\lambda$)

• A. $\lambda$
• B. $2\lambda$
• C. $\frac{\lambda }{4}$
• D. $\frac{\lambda }{2}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

$\frac{\lambda }{2}$

Explanation:

1. Wavelength is the minimum distance after which the state of disturbance is repeated in a wave motion.
2. It can also be defined as the distance between two successive crests or troughs. These values get repeated after a fixed distance.
3. Therefore, the distance between a crest and the next trough is $\frac{\lambda }{2}$ because wavelength $\lambda$ is the distance between two successive crests or troughs.

Hence, option (d) is correct.