Amplitude refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. In simpler terms, it indicates how far a wave moves from its rest position. Amplitude is a key characteristic of waves, including sound waves and light waves, and it directly affects their intensity or loudness. In the context of sound, greater amplitude means a louder sound, while smaller amplitude results in a quieter sound. Similarly, for light waves, higher amplitude can lead to brighter light. Understanding amplitude is essential in fields like physics, music, and engineering, where wave behavior plays a crucial role.