GCSE Physics Tutorial: Calculating Frequency from Period and Period from Frequency
Being able to convert between frequency and period is crucial for understanding wave behaviour and making various wave-related calculations. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the steps to calculate frequency from period and period from frequency, using the relationship between these two wave properties.
Calculating Frequency from Period:
The relationship between frequency ($f$) and period ($T$) is given by the equation:
$f=1/T$
To calculate the frequency from the period, follow these steps:
Identify the Period: Start with the period ($T$) value you have in seconds.
Apply the Equation: Use the equation $f=1/T$ to calculate the frequency ($f$) in Hertz (Hz).
Example:
Suppose you have a wave with a period of 0.02 seconds. To calculate its frequency:
$f=\frac{1}{T}=\frac{1}{0.02}Hz=50Hz$
Calculating Period from Frequency:
Conversely, you can calculate the period from the frequency using the same equation:
$f=\frac{1}{T}$
To calculate the period from the frequency, follow these steps:
Identify the Frequency: Start with the frequency ($f$) value you have in Hertz.
Apply the Equation: Rearrange the equation to solve for the period ($T$): $T=\frac{1}{f}$.
Example:
If you have a wave with a frequency of 150 Hz, calculate its period:
$T=\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{150}s≈0.0067s$
Real-World Applications:
These calculations are commonly used in fields like music, electronics, communication, and engineering, where understanding the relationship between frequency and period is essential.
Summary:
Being able to convert between frequency and period using the equation $f=\frac{1}{T}$ is a valuable skill in wave physics. Whether you're given the period and need to find the frequency, or given the frequency and need to find the period, these calculations allow you to better comprehend the properties and behaviours of various waves.
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