Periodicity

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Periodicity is the quality of occurring at regular intervals or periods (in time or space) and can occur in different contexts:

  • A clock marks time at periodic intervals.
  • A metronome ticks at periodic intervals of time.
  • A publication published at periodic intervals can be called a "periodical", for example a magazine.
  • In mathematics, a function whose output contains values that repeat periodically is called a periodic function.
  • In chemistry, the periodic table is a table which classifies the chemical elements by means of the periodicity of their chemical properties.
  • In physics, period is the number of cycles as a result of time (time/cycle). The amount of time it takes to complete one full revolution. Period is also the inverse of frequency.
  • In music theory, periodicity is described as "predictability gives rise to expectations".
  • Standing waves crest at periodic intervals of distance.
  • In finance, the periodicity of a loan describes the interval between payments.

The measure of periodicity in time is frequency which has the metric units of Hertz.

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