Amplitude of Waves

Waves are distinguished by length and amplitude. The latter, in the case of transverse waves, such as those of water and of the ether, correspond with and measure the height from lowest to highest point, or from valley to summit of the waves in question. In the case of longitudinal waves, such as those of the air, due to sounding bodies, the ratio of degree of rarefaction to degree of condensation existing in the system is the amplitude. The latter can be graphically represented by a sinuous line, such as would represent the section of a transverse wave. Ether waves the discharge of the Leyden jar. The amplitude of a wave, other things being equal, is the measure of its intensity. Thus, the louder a sound the greater is the amplitude of the system of waves to which it is due. The same applies to ether waves, whether they are perceived in the electro-magnetic, light, or heat-giving modification. As the amplitude of ether waves cannot be accurately known, amplitude is a relative term and is not stated generally in any absolute unit.