What term describes how many wave peaks pass a point in a given time?

The term that describes how many wave peaks pass a point in a given time is frequency. Frequency measures the number of complete wave cycles—or peaks—occurring in a specific time frame, typically expressed in hertz (Hz), which indicates cycles per second.

Understanding frequency is crucial for various applications, including sound and electromagnetic waves, as it affects characteristics such as pitch in sound or color in light waves. A higher frequency means more wave peaks pass through a point in a second, leading to shorter wavelengths, while a lower frequency corresponds to fewer peaks and longer wavelengths.