What is the relationship between frequency and period?

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The formula f = 1/T illustrates the inverse relationship between frequency (f) and period (T), where frequency is the number of cycles per second and period is the time taken for one complete cycle. For example, if a baby's heart beats at 120 beats per minute, the period is 1/120 of a minute, which equates to half a second per beat. This means that a frequency of 120 beats per minute corresponds to 2 beats per second. Understanding this relationship simplifies the concept, as frequency increases when the period decreases and vice versa. The discussion emphasizes that frequency and period are fundamentally linked through simple mathematical principles.
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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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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.
 
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.
 
It simply means frequency is inversely proportional to time taken to complete one oscillation
and proportionality constant is 1
 
The frequency f is the number of cycles per second. The period T is the number of seconds per cycle.

Chet
 
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:
 
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.
 
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