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Amplitude vs Intensity - What's the difference?

amplitude | intensity |

In physics terms the difference between amplitude and intensity

is that amplitude is the maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies while intensity is time-averaged energy flux (the ratio of average power to the area through which the power "flows"); irradiance.

In astronomy terms the difference between amplitude and intensity

is that amplitude is the arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object while intensity is syn. radiance.

As nouns the difference between amplitude and intensity

is that amplitude is the measure of something's size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude while intensity is the quality of being intense.

amplitude

English

(wikipedia amplitude)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The measure of something's size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude.
  • * Fuller
    • The cathedral of Lincoln is a magnificent structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the diocese.
  • * Milton
    • amplitude of mind
  • * Macaulay
    • amplitude of comprehension
  • (mathematics) The maximum absolute value of the vertical component of a curve or function, especially one that is periodic.
  • (physics) The maximum absolute value of some quantity that varies.
  • (astronomy) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western, occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or southern, when north or south of the equator.
  • (astronomy) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west point and the foot of the vertical circle passing through any star or object.
  • (firearms) The horizontal line which measures the distance to which a projectile is thrown; the range.

    • Related terms

    * ample * amplifiable * amplification * amplifier * amplificatory * amplify

    External links

    * * ----

    intensity

    English

    Noun

    (intensities)
  • the quality of being intense
  • the degree of strength
  • (physics) time-averaged energy flux (the ratio of average power to the area through which the power "flows"); irradiance
  • (optics) can mean any of radiant intensity, luminous intensity or irradiance
  • (astronomy) syn. radiance
  • (geology) The severity of an earthquake in terms of its effects on the earth's surface, and buildings. The value depends on the distance from the epicentre, and is not to be confused with the magnitude.