Pulse timing computation: A periodic pulse train has a frequency of 2 kHz. Compute the pulse period T (time for one complete cycle).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 500 µs

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Relating frequency and period is a fundamental skill in electronics and signal processing. Oscilloscopes, timers, and microcontroller peripherals all rely on the basic identity T = 1 / f.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Frequency f = 2 kHz.
  • Assume a stable, periodic pulse train.
  • We want the period T in seconds, then express in convenient units.



Concept / Approach:
The period is the reciprocal of frequency. For kilohertz, convert to hertz to avoid mistakes: 1 kHz = 1000 Hz. Keep unit consistency and then convert the result to milliseconds or microseconds as appropriate for readability.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Convert frequency: f = 2 kHz = 2000 Hz.Use the formula T = 1 / f.Compute: T = 1 / 2000 s = 0.0005 s.Express in microseconds: 0.0005 s = 500 µs.



Verification / Alternative check:
Sanity check: A higher frequency means a shorter period. Going from 1 kHz (T = 1 ms) to 2 kHz halves the period to 0.5 ms, i.e., 500 µs.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
5 ms (option A) corresponds to 200 Hz, not 2 kHz.

50 ms (option B) corresponds to 20 Hz.

2 µs (option D) would imply 500 kHz.

0.2 ms (option E) corresponds to 5 kHz.



Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to convert kHz to Hz or mixing milliseconds with microseconds causes 10× or 1000× errors; always track units explicitly.



Final Answer:
500 µs

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