In physical waves, what represents the crest and trough?

In the context of physical waves, the crest and trough represent specific points in the wave. The crest is the highest point of a wave, while the trough is the lowest point. These features are directly related to the disturbances that occur in the medium through which the wave travels.

The disturbances are the actual variations or perturbations in the medium that create the wave pattern. This means that every time a crest or trough is formed, it’s due to a disturbance in the medium—like a water surface being pushed up or down to create waves. Therefore, understanding that the crest and trough are key manifestations of these disturbances clarifies their role in wave behavior and properties.

In contrast, the amplitude, wavelength, and frequency represent different characteristics of a wave. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, wavelength is the distance between successive crests or troughs, and frequency indicates how many waves pass a given point in a certain time frame. While these characteristics are important in describing a wave, they do not directly correspond to the physical locations of the crest and trough.