Wave Terminology

Front

Transverse Wave

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

Compressional Wave

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

Crest

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

Trough

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

Amplitude

Back

The maximum extent of a vibration or displacement of a wave, measured from the resting point.

Front

Frequency

Back

The number of waves that pass a fixed point in unit time.

Front

Resting Point

Back

The position where the particles of the medium stay when there is no disturbance or wave.