If the frequency decreases, what happens to the period?

• A. It becomes shorter
• B. It remains unchanged
• C. It becomes longer
• D. It is halved

Answer: (C)

The relationship between frequency and period is inversely proportional. Frequency is defined as the number of cycles of a waveform that occur in one second, and it is measured in Hertz (Hz). The period, on the other hand, is the duration of one complete cycle of a wave and is measured in seconds.

This relationship can be described mathematically by the equation:

[ \text{Period} = \frac{1}{\text{Frequency}} ]

When the frequency decreases, the value of the fraction increases because the denominator becomes smaller. This means that the period, which is determined by that inverse relationship, will become longer. Thus, if the frequency is lower, it takes more time for each complete cycle to occur, resulting in a longer period. This fundamental concept is crucial for understanding wave behaviors in various contexts, including sound and other forms of oscillation.