Which acoustic parameter describes the maximum displacement of a wave?

The maximum displacement of a wave is referred to as amplitude. In the context of sound waves, amplitude quantifies the height of the wave peaks, which directly correlates with the energy carried by the wave and its perceived loudness. A larger amplitude results in a more intense sound, which is why understanding amplitude is crucial in fields like sonography, where wave intensity can affect image quality and diagnostic capabilities.

Intensity, power, and frequency are related concepts in acoustics, but they do not describe maximum displacement. Intensity refers to the energy per unit area carried by the wave and is proportional to the square of the amplitude. Power relates to the total energy transmitted by the wave over time, while frequency describes the number of cycles of a wave that occur in a given period. Although these parameters are important in understanding sound waves, they do not directly express maximum displacement. Thus, amplitude is the correct choice for describing maximum wave displacement.