What do we call the point of maximum negative displacement in a transverse wave?

In a transverse wave, the point of maximum negative displacement is referred to as a trough. This terminology arises from the way waves are visualized: the crest represents the highest point of the wave, while the trough is the lowest point. Displacement in this context measures how far a point on the wave is from its equilibrium position; negative displacement indicates a position below this equilibrium, which is exactly where the trough is found.

Understanding this concept is essential, particularly in recognizing the characteristics of wave behavior, including wave amplitude and frequency. Amplitude describes the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, encompassing both crests and troughs, but it does not specifically define the maximum negative displacement. Nodes are points where there is no displacement at all in standing waves and are unrelated to the concepts of crests and troughs in this context. Hence, identifying the trough as the point of maximum negative displacement is key in analyzing wave patterns effectively.