Which term describes the distance of traveling energy, such as light or sound, in a repeating pattern?

The term that describes the distance of traveling energy, such as light or sound, in a repeating pattern is wavelength. Wavelength is defined as the spatial period of a wave, which means it measures the distance between successive crests or troughs in a repeating wave pattern.

In the context of sound and light, wavelength is crucial to understanding how these forms of energy propagate through different mediums. For sound, it influences the pitch, while for light, it affects the color. A longer wavelength correlates with lower frequencies, while a shorter wavelength correlates with higher frequencies.

The other options have distinct definitions that are integral to wave properties but do not directly represent the concept of distance in a repeating pattern. Amplitude refers to the height of the wave, indicating the energy or intensity. Frequency is the number of wave cycles that occur in a given time period. Waveform describes the shape of the wave, indicating how it fluctuates over time. Each of these terms contributes to the understanding of wave mechanics but does not define the physical distance measured in wavelength.