What does the amplitude of a sine wave represent?

The amplitude of a sine wave represents the maximum displacement from the center position, which is indeed the correct understanding of this concept. In the context of waveforms, amplitude indicates the height of the wave peaks, measuring how far the wave rises above or falls below its equilibrium position. This displaced distance is crucial since it directly correlates to the energy of the wave; higher amplitudes indicate more energy, while lower amplitudes indicate less.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different characteristics of waveforms. The number of cycles per second refers to frequency, which measures how quickly the wave oscillates. The average value of the wave typically relates to the wave's central tendency but does not reflect the peak values represented by amplitude. The duration of one complete wave cycle is associated with the wavelength or period of the wave, which is distinct from amplitude. Thus, the emphasis on maximum displacement makes it clear that the correct answer reflects the fundamental property of amplitude in wave analysis.