Frequency of a Spark Timer, 0.10s

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the frequency of a spark timer set at a period of 0.10 seconds. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the relationship between period and frequency as presented in their textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between frequency and period, with some attempting to clarify the definition of frequency. Questions about the meaning of frequency and its calculation are raised, along with attempts to relate the number of sparks to time intervals.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the mathematical relationship between frequency and period, while others are still seeking clarification on the concept of frequency itself. There appears to be a mix of understanding and confusion among participants.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a specific example from their textbook, which may not fully clarify the concept for them. There is an indication of varying levels of familiarity with the topic among participants.

nmichelle
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Hey, I just signed up and I've already got a question. =)
The answer was in the book but I don't get the answer.

Determie the frequency of a spark timer set at a period of 0.10s.
Ans: 1.0 x 10¹ Hz.

The book only says;
"An intervl of six spaces produced by a spark timer represents a time of 0.10s. The period of vibration, which is the time between successive dots, is the reciprocal of the frequency.

6/60s = 0.10s
The answer is literally staring me right in the face and the explanation might be really easy but for it's just not making sense to me. Can anyone help? Thanks a lot!
 
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Frequency(in hertz) = 1 / period (in seconds). I can't really explain it any other way without writing several paragraphs but that's mostly to my rambling nature. 1 Hertz = s^(-1) or (cycles/second) depending on how you look at it.
 
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Since there are 6 sparks in 60 seconds, there is is one spark every 10 seconds. How many sparks per second? Or, even easier, how many sparks per minute?

Now what does "frequency" MEAN??
 
Ah. I think I get it now. Thanks a lot!
 

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