Skip to content
    Physics GCSE

    period

    What period means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of period

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain period in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The time for one complete cycle, measured in seconds, s, and read from a displacement-time graph.
    AQA · Properties of waves (study guide)
    The time for one complete wave to pass, measured in seconds, and equal to 1 ÷ frequency.
    OCR · Wave behaviour (study guide)
    The time for one complete wave to pass, in seconds, and is the reciprocal of frequency.
    AQA · Properties of waves (study guide)
    The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.
    AQA · Properties of electromagnetic waves 1 (study guide)

    Topics that use period

    Related terms

    Using period in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Physics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Physics GCSE terms