For a wave, period is defined most precisely as what?
AThe number of waves passing by a specific point per second
BThe distance between the resting position and maximum displacement
CThe time it takes for one wave cycle to complete
DThe distance between adjacent identical parts of the wave
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The time it takes for one wave cycle to complete
1. For waves, period is the time it takes for one wave cycle to complete.
2. Number of waves per second describes frequency, not period.
3. Distance to maximum displacement describes amplitude, not period.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 13 "Waves and Their Properties", section Wave Variables_
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