Wavelength vs. Wavenumber

Wavelengthnoun

(physics) The length of a single cycle of a wave, as measured by the distance between one peak or trough of a wave and the next; it is often designated in physics as λ, and corresponds to the velocity of the wave divided by its frequency.

Wavelengthnoun

the distance (measured in the direction of propagation) between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave

Wavelengthnoun

a shared orientation leading to mutual understanding;

Wavelength

In physics, the wavelength is the spatial period of a periodic wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. It is the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase on the wave, such as two adjacent crests, troughs, or zero crossings, and is a characteristic of both traveling waves and standing waves, as well as other spatial wave patterns.

Wavenumbernoun

A measure of the number of waves in unit distance; inversely proportional to its wavelength.

Wavenumber

In the physical sciences, the wavenumber (also wave number or repetency) is the spatial frequency of a wave, measured in cycles per unit distance or radians per unit distance. Whereas temporal frequency can be thought of as the number of waves per unit time, wavenumber is the number of waves per unit distance.