Here's why:
* Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position.
* Energy in a mechanical wave is directly related to the amount of disturbance or displacement it carries.
Think of it like this:
* A small ripple in a pond has a small amplitude and carries less energy.
* A large wave crashing on the shore has a large amplitude and carries more energy.
Important Note: The energy of a wave is also related to its frequency. Higher frequency waves generally carry more energy than lower frequency waves. However, for a given frequency, the amplitude is the key factor determining the wave's energy.