What is the term for the top point of a wave?

The term for the top point of a wave is "crest." In wave terminology, the crest refers to the highest point reached by the wave above its rest position. This is a key characteristic of waves, as it helps to define their amplitude, which is the distance from the rest position to the crest (or trough, which is the lowest point) of the wave.

In contrast, the trough is the lowest point of the wave, while a wavefront refers to the surface over which the wave has the same phase (for example, the leading edge of the wave). A node is a specific point in a standing wave where the wave has minimal amplitude, representing points of destructive interference. Understanding these terms is important for analyzing and describing wave behavior in various physical contexts.