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Frequency - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Leander Oates

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What is frequency?

In GCSE physics, frequency is a measure of the number of complete waves passing a fixed point per second. Frequency has the unit hertz (Hz) which is equivalent to ‘per second’.

Frequency and period are intrinsically related; frequency counts the number of waves passing a fixed point per second, while period measures the time taken for one complete wave to pass a fixed point. 

The equation for frequency and period is:

f equals 1 over T

Where:

  • f = frequency, measured in hertz (Hz)

  • T = period, measured in seconds (s)

The frequency of a wave is also related to its wavelength. Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths and lower frequency waves have longer wavelengths. 

Diagram comparing wavelength and frequency: short wavelength with high frequency and long wavelength with low frequency, using green wave lines.
Shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies, and longer wavelengths have lower frequencies

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Leander Oates

Reviewer: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

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