How is frequency defined?

Frequency is defined as the number of waves that pass a given point per second. It is a fundamental concept in wave mechanics and is typically measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz equals one wave passing a point in one second.

Understanding frequency is crucial because it helps describe how often a wave occurs over time, which directly relates to many physical phenomena, such as sound, light, and other types of waves. For example, in sound waves, higher frequencies typically correlate with higher pitches, while in electromagnetic waves, frequency determines color in the light spectrum.

The other options represent different aspects of wave characteristics but do not correctly define frequency. The speed of a wave in a medium relates to how fast the waves travel, the length of a wave refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs, and the amplitude indicates the maximum displacement from the rest position of the wave. While all of these properties are important in understanding wave behavior, frequency specifically focuses on the rate at which waves pass a point in time.