The period of a wave is the time taken for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a given point. It is typically denoted by the symbol \( T \) and is measured in seconds (s). The period of a wave can be calculated using the following formula:
\[ T = \frac{1}{f} \]
where:
- \( T \) is the period of the wave,
- \( f \) is the frequency of the wave, measured in hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second.
If you have the wavelength \( \lambda \) (the distance between consecutive crests or troughs of the wave) and the wave's velocity \( v \), you can also calculate the period using the following relationship:
\[ T = \frac{\lambda}{v} \]
where:
- \( \lambda \) is the wavelength,
- \( v \) is the wave speed (velocity).
Steps to Calculate the Period of the Wave
-
If Frequency is Known:
- Use \( T = \frac{1}{f} \)
- Example: If the frequency \( f = 2 \) Hz, then \( T = \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 \) seconds.
-
If Wavelength and Velocity are Known:
- Use \( T = \frac{\lambda}{v} \)
- Example: If the wavelength \( \lambda = 4 \) meters and the wave speed \( v = 8 \) m/s, then \( T = \frac{4}{8} = 0.5 \) seconds.
That's how you can calculate the period of a wave!
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