AFOQT Practice Test

What describes the frequency of a wave?

1. Time taken for a wave to complete one cycle

2. Amplitude of the wave

3. Number of cycles a wave goes through in a specific period of time

4. Distance between the midline and the crest

The correct answer is: Number of cycles a wave goes through in a specific period of time

The correct choice accurately defines frequency as the number of cycles a wave completes within a specific period of time, usually measured in hertz (Hz). This means that higher frequency indicates more cycles occurring in that given timeframe, which is essential for understanding wave behavior in various contexts such as sound, light, and other forms of wave phenomena. The other options pertain to different wave characteristics. The time taken for a wave to complete one cycle refers to the wave's period, which is the inverse of frequency. The amplitude is a measure of the wave's height and indicates the energy of the wave, not its frequency. Lastly, the distance between the midline and the crest describes the wave's amplitude as well, further distancing it from the definition of frequency. Understanding these distinctions is important in fields such as physics and engineering where wave properties play a crucial role.