Period Formula:
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The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a given point. It is the reciprocal of frequency and is measured in seconds.
The calculator uses the period formula:
Where:
Explanation: The period is inversely proportional to frequency - higher frequency waves have shorter periods, and lower frequency waves have longer periods.
Details: Calculating wave period is essential in physics, engineering, acoustics, and telecommunications for understanding wave behavior, designing systems, and analyzing signals.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding period in seconds.
Q1: What is the relationship between period and frequency?
A: Period and frequency are inversely related. Period = 1/Frequency, and Frequency = 1/Period.
Q2: What are typical period values for common waves?
A: Sound waves: 0.00005-0.05 seconds, Light waves: ~2×10⁻¹⁵ seconds, Ocean waves: 1-30 seconds.
Q3: Can period be measured for non-periodic waves?
A: Period is specifically defined for periodic (repeating) waves. Non-periodic waves don't have a defined period.
Q4: How does amplitude affect the period?
A: For simple harmonic motion, period is independent of amplitude. The period depends only on the system's properties, not on how large the oscillation is.
Q5: What's the difference between period and wavelength?
A: Period is a time measurement (seconds), while wavelength is a spatial measurement (meters). They are related through the wave speed: wavelength = speed × period.