What term describes the total distance an electromagnetic wave travels during one complete cycle?

The correct term that describes the total distance an electromagnetic wave travels during one complete cycle is wavelength. Wavelength is defined as the spatial period of a periodic wave, which means it represents the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase of the wave, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

In the context of electromagnetic waves, wavelength is crucial as it determines the wave's frequency and energy. The relationship between wavelength and frequency is inversely proportional, meaning that as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa. Understanding wavelength is essential for applications like telecommunications, as it affects how signals propagate through different media and the design of antennas.