Physics
Period from frequency
The period is the time for one complete cycle. It is the reciprocal of the frequency, so a higher frequency means a shorter period.
The Formula
T = 1 / f
The period is the time for one complete cycle. It is the reciprocal of the frequency, so a higher frequency means a shorter period.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| f | Frequency of the wave | hertz | In hertz; the number of cycles completed each second. |
| T | Period of the wave | seconds | Seconds per cycle. For 440 Hz this is 0.0022727272727272726 seconds. |
What Each Symbol Means
fhertz
Frequency of the wave
In hertz; the number of cycles completed each second.
Tseconds
Period of the wave
Seconds per cycle. For 440 Hz this is 0.0022727272727272726 seconds.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate wave speed page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Wave Speed, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.