Period (physics) facts for kids
A time period (shown as T) is the time it takes for one full cycle or vibration to happen. Imagine a swing going back and forth; one full trip (from one side, to the other, and back to the start) is one cycle. The time it takes for that one cycle is its time period.
The unit we use for time period is seconds.
When something happens very often, its frequency is high. When something happens less often, its frequency is low. Time period and frequency are opposites. If the frequency of a wave goes up, its time period goes down. This is called a reciprocal relationship.
You can write this relationship using these simple formulas:
- T = 1/f (Time period equals 1 divided by frequency)
- f = 1/T (Frequency equals 1 divided by time period)
Examples of Time Period
Time period is a concept you can find in many places around you!
Orbital Period
The orbital period is the time it takes for one object to go all the way around another object. For example, the Earth's orbital period around the Sun is about 365 days. This is how long it takes for our planet to complete one full orbit.
Pendulum Period
A pendulum is a weight hanging from a pivot, like a swing. The period of a pendulum is the time it takes for it to swing from one side, to the other side, and then back to its starting point. This is one complete swing.
See Also
Images for kids
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Modern frequency counter
In Spanish: Frecuencia para niños
