Wave Properties  

Parts of a Wave                                                                                                                        Return to Physics Index

The top of a wave is called the crest. The bottom of the wave is called the trough. The rest position represents medium without motion.  
 The Wave Length is measured from crest to crest or from trough to trough. The Height of a wave is measured from crest to trough.  
The Amplitude of the wave is the maximum point at which the wave is from the rest position.  
 The frequency represents the number of wave lengths that past a given point in given time. Frequency can also be expressed in Hertz (Hz).  
When waves are pressed close together they are compressed waves and represent high-energy. When waves a spread apart they are in a state of rarefaction and they represent areas of lower energy.