Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Frequency refers to the rate at which something occurs or repeats over a period of time. It measures how often an event, action, or phenomenon happens.
Related terms
Amplitude: The amplitude is the measure of the strength or intensity of a wave. It represents how high or low the peaks and troughs of a wave are.
Period: The period is the time it takes for one complete cycle of an event or phenomenon to occur. It is inversely related to frequency - higher frequency means shorter periods.
Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on a wave, such as from peak to peak or trough to trough. It determines the length and size of each individual wave.