What term defines the distance from a point on a wave to the corresponding point on the next wave?

The term that defines the distance from a point on a wave to the corresponding point on the next wave is known as wavelength. This is a fundamental concept in wave theory and is crucial in understanding various types of waves, including sound and electromagnetic waves.

Wavelength is typically measured from one peak of the wave to the next peak or from one trough to the next trough. It plays a significant role in determining the properties of waves, such as their frequency and energy. For instance, in the context of light waves, different wavelengths correspond to different colors, while in sound waves, they can determine the pitch.

In contrast, frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, amplitude measures the height of the wave from its rest position to its peak, and wave height typically refers to the vertical distance between the crest and the trough of the wave. These terms are related to wave properties but do not define the specific distance between consecutive wave points.