Which part of a wave is referred to as the crest?

The crest of a wave is defined as the highest point of the wave, representing the maximum displacement of the medium from its rest position. Waves, such as those seen in water or sound, exhibit periodic motion where the crest is distinguished as the peak above the equilibrium level. This peak is significant as it reflects the energy carried by the wave — more energy results in a higher crest.

The other parts of the wave serve different functions: the bottom of the wave refers to the trough, which is the lowest point, while the midpoint typically indicates the equilibrium position where the medium rests with no wave passing through. The distance between two consecutive crests is referred to as the wavelength, which is another important characteristic of waves, but it does not define what a crest is. Therefore, understanding the specific role and characteristic of the crest helps in grasping wave behavior and properties in various contexts.