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. |
