Sinusoidal Function refers to a mathematical curve with a smooth and periodic oscillation. Its name comes from the sine function and is characterized by the amplitude or the maximum displacement or distance moved by a point on a vibrating body measured from its equilibrium position.
To calculate the amplitude from a graph, we measure the maximum point and the minimum point the wave reaches. Then we subtract both values and divide the result by 2.
The shown wave in the figure has a maximum value of 8 m and a minimum value of -8 m. The distance from the maximum to the minimum is 8-(-8)= 16 m, thus the amplitude is 16/2= 8m.
