Which term describes the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation in relation to a baseline?

Amplitude is the term that refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation measured from the baseline. In the context of wave phenomena, amplitude indicates the height of the wave peaks or depths of the troughs relative to the equilibrium position. It is a crucial aspect in understanding the energy carried by a wave; higher amplitudes generally signify more energy. For example, in the case of sound waves, greater amplitude correlates to a louder sound, while in the context of light waves, higher amplitude relates to increased brightness.

In contrast, frequency refers to how many cycles of a wave occur in a unit of time, which is separate from the wave's height or strength. Wavelength denotes the distance between successive peaks or troughs of a wave, indicating the spatial period of the wave, while waveform describes the shape of the wave itself, encompassing the overall characteristics rather than specific measurements of its extent.