What is the relationship between frequency and period?

Prepare for the Sonography Canada Physics Core Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions to strengthen your understanding. Get ready for success!

The relationship between frequency and period is indeed inversely related. Frequency refers to the number of cycles of a wave that occur in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). The period, on the other hand, is the amount of time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to occur, usually measured in seconds.

Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed with the formula:

[ \text{Frequency} (f) = \frac{1}{\text{Period} (T)} ]

This means that as the frequency increases (more cycles per second), the period decreases (the time per cycle becomes shorter). Conversely, if the frequency decreases, the period increases. This inverse relationship signifies that if one quantity goes up, the other goes down, thereby reinforcing the idea that frequency and period are tightly linked, but in opposite directions.

Other options do not accurately describe the relationship. For example, stating they are directly related would imply that both increase or decrease together, which is not the case. Calling them unrelated ignores the intrinsic mathematical connection. Lastly, saying both are constants is incorrect since both frequency and period vary depending on the characteristics of the wave being analyzed.

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