Key Concepts: Period, Frequency, Amplitude

Period (T)

• The time for one complete cycle of oscillation. SI unit: second (s).
• For a pendulum: T = 2π√(L/g). For a mass-spring: T = 2π√(m/k).

Frequency (f)

• The number of complete cycles per second: f = 1/T.
• SI unit: Hertz (Hz). 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second.
• Angular frequency: ω = 2πf = 2π/T (rad/s).

Amplitude (A)

• The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
• Amplitude determines the energy stored: E = ½kA² (spring). Greater amplitude = more energy.
• Amplitude does NOT affect the period or frequency (in ideal SHM).

Relationships

• Higher frequency = shorter period = more oscillations per second.
• Amplitude is independent of frequency/period in SHM.