How can a wave's frequency be described?

The frequency of a wave is defined as the number of complete cycles or crests that pass a given point in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz corresponds to one cycle per second. This means that if a wave has a frequency of, for example, 5 Hz, five wave crests will pass a certain point every second. Understanding frequency is crucial in wave physics as it directly relates to the energy of the wave; higher frequency waves carry more energy than lower frequency waves.

The other options describe different characteristics of a wave. The distance between two successive crests is referred to as the wavelength, which indicates the length of one complete wave cycle. The height of the wave, usually measured from the rest position to the crest, is known as amplitude and is associated with the wave's energy rather than its frequency. The time taken for one complete wave cycle refers to the period of the wave, which is the inverse of frequency; knowing the period allows you to find the frequency, but they are distinct concepts.