In wave terminology, what is a common measure of energy carried by a wave?

The correct answer is amplitude, as it is a key measure of the energy carried by a wave. In wave terminology, amplitude refers to the maximum extent of a wave's oscillation from its rest position. In simpler terms, it is the height of the wave from its equilibrium position to its peak or trough.

The greater the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries. For example, in sound waves, higher amplitude translates to louder sounds, and in electromagnetic waves, higher amplitude increases the intensity of the waves.

Frequency pertains to how many wave cycles occur in a given period but does not directly quantify the energy. Wavelength measures the distance between successive peaks of the wave, which is important for understanding the type of wave and its behavior but is not a measure of energy. The term crest refers to the highest point of a wave and does not provide a measure of energy itself.

Thus, amplitude is the most direct indicator of a wave's energy, making it the correct choice in this context.