Science
Oscillation period.
Definition
The oscillation period (T) is the time it takes for one complete cycle of a repeating motion, such as a pendulum swing or a spring vibration. It is the inverse of frequency (T = 1/f). The period depends on the system's physical properties, not typically on amplitude for small oscillations.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 A playground swing completing one full back-and-forth motion in about 2 seconds
- 2 A mass on a spring bobbing up and down with a period determined by mass and spring constant
- 3 The period of a simple pendulum depending on its length and gravitational acceleration
Key Fact
T = 1/f; for a simple pendulum, T = 2π√(L/g).