How is frequency defined in the context of waves?

Frequency in the context of waves is defined as the number of complete oscillations or cycles that occur in a specific time period, typically measured in seconds. When we say that a wave has a frequency of, for example, 5 Hz, we mean that five complete waves pass a given point every second. This definition is fundamental to understanding how waves behave and interact with their environment.

Frequency is a critical property because it relates directly to various characteristics of the wave such as its energy and wavelength. Higher frequency indicates more cycles per second, which often corresponds to higher energy waves, particularly in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The other choices represent different aspects of wave phenomena but do not describe frequency itself. The total energy of a wave pertains to its amplitude and other factors, while the amplitude represents the maximum displacement from the rest position, and the speed of the wave relates to how fast the wave propagates through the medium. Each of these aspects plays a role in the overall behavior of waves but does not define frequency.