How is frequency defined in terms of cycles?

Frequency is defined as the number of cycles that occur in one second. This concept is fundamental in physics, especially in wave mechanics and oscillatory motion. When we refer to frequency, we indicate how often a repeating event occurs in a specified time frame, usually one second.

For example, if a wave completes 5 cycles in one second, the frequency of that wave is 5 hertz (Hz), which means 5 cycles per second. This measure is crucial for understanding phenomena like sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and any oscillatory system, as it helps in quantifying how rapidly those systems oscillate or vibrate.

The other definitions refer to different aspects of cyclic phenomena: the time taken for one cycle signifies the period, which is the inverse of frequency, the length of one cycle refers to physical dimensions rather than a rate of occurrence, and amplitude measures the maximum strength or intensity of the cycle rather than the rate of repetition.