The inverse of the time required for a wave to complete one full cycle is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the quantity that is the inverse of the time taken for one complete cycle of a wave.

Step 2: Explain the concept

• The time for one complete cycle is the period (T), measured in seconds.
• The number of cycles completed per second is the frequency (f), measured in hertz (Hz).

These two are related by:

f = 1/T (and T = 1/f)

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Wavelength: the distance between two successive crests (or troughs). It is a length, not a time-related quantity.
• B. Period: this is the time for one full cycle, so it is not the inverse of that time.
• C. Frequency: the inverse of the period, f = 1/T. This matches the question.
• D. Amplitude: the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. It has nothing to do with time.

Step 4: Answer The inverse of the time for one complete cycle is the frequency, which is option C.

Quick example: If a wave takes 0.02 s to complete one cycle, then f = 1/0.02 = 50 Hz.

Exam tip: Remember "T is Time, f is frequency, and they are flip-sides: f = 1/T". If a question says "inverse of period", the answer is always frequency. If it says "inverse of frequency", the answer is period.