The term for the distance between two successive peaks in a wave is called the wavelength. It is a crucial factor in understanding wave properties such as frequency and energy. In various contexts, including sound, light, and ocean waves, measuring the wavelength allows scientists to analyze and interpret wave behavior. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency and energy, while longer wavelengths typically associate with lower frequencies. This understanding is essential in fields like physics, acoustics, and optics.