What is the definition of wavelength in the context of light waves?

Wavelength in the context of light waves is defined as the distance between successive peaks or valleys of the wave. This measurement is crucial in understanding light because it determines the color of visible light we perceive. Each color corresponds to a specific wavelength, with violet having shorter wavelengths and red having longer wavelengths.

The wavelength is a critical factor in various applications, including optics, where it influences how light interacts with different materials. For example, different wavelengths can affect how light is refracted or absorbed, which is important in lens design and photography. Understanding wavelength also plays a fundamental role in technologies such as lasers and fiber optics, as the manipulation of different wavelengths allows for specific applications in communication and imaging.