Which term refers to the point on a wave with the maximum downward displacement from equilibrium?

Which term refers to the point on a wave with the maximum downward displacement from equilibrium?

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

Answer: (C)

When a wave moves, the medium oscillates around its resting position (equilibrium). The highest point the medium reaches is a crest, while the lowest point is a trough. Amplitude measures how far the displacement is from equilibrium, but it’s a size, not a location. A wavefront is a geometric concept about where the wave has the same phase, not a specific point of displacement. So the point with the maximum downward displacement is the trough.

When a wave moves, the medium oscillates around its resting position (equilibrium). The highest point the medium reaches is a crest, while the lowest point is a trough. Amplitude measures how far the displacement is from equilibrium, but it’s a size, not a location. A wavefront is a geometric concept about where the wave has the same phase, not a specific point of displacement. So the point with the maximum downward displacement is the trough.