What is the period and frequency of a wave? - GCSE or A-Level students may ask this

A wave could be transverse or longitudinal. We like to think in terms of whole waves. This is when a particle comes back to it's original position and direction of movement. For transverse waves, we can see it as a sine wave passing by (drawing difference between the wave passing and particle's motion). For longitudinal you may have to use your imagination a bit more... (hand motion and drawing) a particle goes up to an amplitude, down to a low amplitude and back to it's original position. That's a whole wave.Period:We can think of the period as the time taken for a single whole wave to pass any point. The time taken for all that, is the period, measured in...(asking the student to fill in the gap before me) secondsParticle goes up down up, 1 waveTime taken, secondsFrequency:Frequency is just how many times a wave passes in a second. measured in Hz or 1/show many times does particle go up down up? = How many waves occur?1 second

Answered by Saabir P. Physics tutor

1693 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

In the Photoelectric effect, Why does increasing the light intensity have no effect on the energy of the electron emitted?


Derive an expression for wave speed in terms of wavelength and frequency.


What is an equipotential in an electric/gravitational field?


An ultraviolet wave of continuous frequency reflects from a solid surface back in the direction of the transmitter. Assuming no amplitude is lost, describe and explain the behaviour of the particles in the medium between the transmitter and surface.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences