What term describes the highest point in a transverse wave?

The term that describes the highest point in a transverse wave is referred to as the crest. In a transverse wave, the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. As the wave oscillates, it reaches peaks and troughs; the highest points are the crests.

Understanding the terminology of wave properties is essential because it helps describe various parameters of waves. For instance, the amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, which can be observed at the crest. Wavelength, on the other hand, is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. The trough represents the lowest point in the wave, which is directly opposite to the crest. These definitions provide a clearer understanding of the fundamental properties of waves in physical science.