What is the relationship between frequency and period?

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In summary, the formula f = 1/T represents the relationship between frequency and period, where frequency is the number of cycles per second and period is the number of seconds per cycle. This can also be explained as the inverse proportionality between frequency and time taken to complete one oscillation, with a proportionality constant of 1.
  • #1
threy
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f = 1/T?? What does it mean?

What does this formula means:

f = 1/T

I don't get this. Please explain the relationship between frequency and period and the formula above thanks :)
 
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  • #3
Using different units in that example obscures the relationship a bit. A frequency of 120 beats per minute corresponds to a period of 1/120 of a minute per beat. Continuing, 1/120 of a minute = 1/2 second.

Or to match the original formula better: a period of 1/2 second per beat corresponds to a frequency of 1/(1/2) beats per second = 2 beats per second. Continuing, 2 beats per second = 120 beats per minute.
 
  • #4
agree with jtbell, bad example from wiki. It's simple math, threy. If you tnink about it the same way you think of ax=b there is no confusion. The trick is that T is time for 1 oscilation, so ax=b becomes ax=1.
 
  • #5
It simply means frequency is inversely proportional to time taken to complete one oscillation
and proportionality constant is 1
 
  • #6
The frequency f is the number of cycles per second. The period T is the number of seconds per cycle.

Chet
 
  • #7
Chestermiller said:
The frequency f is the number of cycles per second. The period T is the number of seconds per cycle.

Chet

Beautifully clear and concise explanation that says it all.

You've done this before, haven't you :smile:
 
  • #8
If you can walk around the block in 1/2 hour, (30 minutes) then you can do it 2 times in one hour.
If you can walk around the block in 1/3 hour (20 minutes) then you can do it 3 times in one hour.
If you can walk around the block in 1/4 hour (15 minutes) then you can do it 4 times in one hour.
If you can walk around the block in 1/10 hour (6 minutes) then you can do it 10 times in one hour.
 

1. What is the equation F = 1/T used for?

The equation F = 1/T is used to calculate the frequency of a wave. Frequency is a measure of how many waves pass a certain point in a given time period.

2. How is F = 1/T related to the speed of a wave?

F = 1/T is directly proportional to the speed of a wave. This means that an increase in frequency will result in an increase in wave speed, and vice versa.

3. What does F represent in the equation F = 1/T?

In this equation, F represents the frequency of the wave. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to 1 wave per second.

4. How is F = 1/T used in real life?

F = 1/T is used in many real-life applications, such as radio and television broadcasting, telecommunications, and music. It helps determine the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in these technologies.

5. What happens to the frequency if the period (T) is doubled?

If the period is doubled, the frequency will be halved. This is because frequency and period have an inverse relationship, meaning that as one increases, the other decreases. This is reflected in the equation F = 1/T.

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