What term describes the number of cycles that occur in one second of time?

The term that describes the number of cycles occurring in one second is frequency. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz equals one cycle per second. This concept is fundamental in understanding how electrical signals and waves operate, especially in alternating current (AC) systems, where frequency determines the rate at which the current changes direction.

In contrast, amplitude refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. Phase relates to the position of a point in time on a waveform cycle, indicating where the wave is in its cycle at any given time. The period is the duration of one complete cycle of a waveform, typically measured in seconds. While both phase and period are related to frequency, they do not define the rate of cycles but rather other characteristics of waveforms. Thus, frequency is the correct term for the number of cycles that occur in one second.