Time period & Frequency (OCR A Level Physics)

Revision Note

Ann Howell

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Period & Frequency in Circular Motion

  • Frequency, f, is defined as:

    The number of complete oscillations per unit time

  • It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is defined by the equation

Frequency-period equation
  • Time period, T, is defined as:

    The time taken for one complete oscillation, in seconds

  • One complete oscillation is defined as:

    The time taken for the oscillator to pass the equilibrium from one side and back again fully from the other side

  • If a circle has a radius r, then the distance through which an object moves as it completes one rotation is equal to the circumference of the circle = 2πr

  • The speed of an object moving in a circle is therefore equal to:

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Ann Howell

Author: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.