3.3.1.1
Frequency and period are reciprocals of each other
Progressive Waves — AQA A-Level Physics
$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$
- $f$: frequencyThe number of complete oscillations passing a point per unit time. Measured in hertz (Hz). (Hz)
- $T$: periodThe time taken for one complete oscillation or wave cycle. Measured in seconds (s). (s)
- A wave with a periodThe time taken for one complete oscillation or wave cycle. Measured in seconds (s). of 0.02 s has a frequencyThe number of complete oscillations passing a point per unit time. Measured in hertz (Hz). of 1 / 0.02 = 50 Hz.
- Read the periodThe time taken for one complete oscillation or wave cycle. Measured in seconds (s). from a displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m).-time graph as the time for one full cycle.
- Read the wavelengthThe minimum distance between two points on a wave that are in phase (e.g. crest to crest). Measured in metres (m). from a displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m).-distance graph as the distance for one full cycle.