What are some of the terms used to define the properties of waves?

Question

Accepted Answer

The table below summarizes the different properties of waves.

Type of Wave	Term	Definition
Transverse	Crest	The highest point of the wave.
	Trough	The lowest point of the wave.
Longitudinal	Compression	An area where the material or medium is condensed and at higher pressure.
	Rarefaction	An area that follows a compression where the material or medium is spread out and at lower pressure.
Transverse & Longitudinal	Amplitude	The distance from the midpoint to the point of
		maximum displacement (crest or compression).
	Frequency	The number of vibrations that occur in one second; the inverse of the period.
	Period	The time it takes for a wave to complete one full vibration; the inverse of the frequency.
	Wavelength	The distance from one point on the wave to the next identical point; the length of the wave.

Waves