Wavelengths refer to the distance between consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave, such as those found in light or sound. They are typically measured in meters and can vary widely, from very short wavelengths like gamma rays to much longer ones like radio waves. The wavelength determines many properties of the wave, including its energy and how it interacts with matter. In the context of light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than blue light. Understanding wavelengths is essential in fields like physics, engineering, and medicine, as they play a crucial role in technologies such as lasers and medical imaging.