The relationship between the period (T), wavelength (λ), and frequency (f) of a wave can be defined as follows:
- Period (T): The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete cycle or oscillation to occur. It is typically measured in seconds (s) or fractions of a second. The period is the reciprocal of the frequency, mathematically expressed as:
T = 1/f
- Wavelength (λ): Wavelength refers to the distance between two corresponding points on a wave, such as two adjacent crests or troughs. It is usually measured in meters (m) or other units of length. The relationship between wavelength and frequency is given by:
λ = v/f
where v represents the speed of the wave.
- Frequency (f): Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second. The relationship between frequency and wavelength is the inverse of the wavelength-frequency relationship:
f = v/λ
To summarize:
- The period of a wave is the reciprocal of its frequency: T = 1/f.
- The wavelength of a wave is equal to the speed of the wave divided by its frequency: λ = v/f.
- The frequency of a wave is equal to the speed of the wave divided by its wavelength: f = v/λ.
These relationships apply to all types of waves, including electromagnetic radiation (such as light waves) as well as other waves like sound waves or water waves. The specific values of period, wavelength, and frequency will vary depending on the nature of the wave and the medium through which it propagates.