Originally posted by neurocomp2003
What exactly do the crest and trough parts of a light wave represent?
Are they traversals that a electron takes or are they a mathematical
analytical tool used in equations involving light? Or is the answer still unknown?
The crest of a light wave is the highest point of the wave, where the amplitude is at its maximum. It represents the peak of the wave's energy and is located at the top of the wave's oscillation.
The trough of a light wave is the lowest point of the wave, where the amplitude is at its minimum. It represents the lowest point of the wave's energy and is located at the bottom of the wave's oscillation.
The crest and trough of a light wave are directly related to each other. As the crest moves upward, the trough moves downward, and vice versa. This creates the oscillating pattern of the wave.
The main difference between the crest and trough of a light wave is their location on the wave. The crest is the highest point, while the trough is the lowest point. They also have opposite amplitudes, with the crest having a maximum amplitude and the trough having a minimum amplitude.
The crest and trough of a light wave determine the wave's amplitude, which is directly related to the wave's energy and intensity. They also affect the wavelength and frequency of the wave, which are important properties in understanding light and how it behaves.