What is the highest part of a wave called?

What is the highest part of a wave called?

• A. Crest
• B. Peak
• C. Amplitude
• D. Trough

Answer: (A)

The highest point of a wave is called the crest. In a transverse wave, the wave oscillates around a resting position; the crest is the maximum positive displacement above that rest level, while the lowest point is the trough. The distance from the rest position to the crest (or to the trough) is the amplitude. Some people use the word peak for the top of a wave, but the standard term in physics for the highest point is crest. So the top part you see on a water wave, the foamy peak, is the crest.

The highest point of a wave is called the crest. In a transverse wave, the wave oscillates around a resting position; the crest is the maximum positive displacement above that rest level, while the lowest point is the trough. The distance from the rest position to the crest (or to the trough) is the amplitude. Some people use the word peak for the top of a wave, but the standard term in physics for the highest point is crest. So the top part you see on a water wave, the foamy peak, is the crest.