Which waveform duration is most affected by a 60 Hz notch filter?

The waveform duration most affected by a 60 Hz notch filter is 16 msec. A notch filter is designed to attenuate a specific frequency—in this case, 60 Hz, which is prevalent in many electrical systems due to the standard frequency of AC power in the U.S.

To understand the impact of the notch filter, it is essential to recognize the relationship between frequency and period (duration). The period is the inverse of frequency, which means that it is calculated as follows:

Period (T) = 1 / Frequency.

For a frequency of 60 Hz, the period is approximately 16.67 msec (calculated as 1/60 seconds). This value indicates the duration of one complete cycle of the waveform associated with the 60 Hz frequency. A 60 Hz notch filter specifically targets and reduces the amplitude of signals within this frequency range, making waveforms that occur around this duration—such as those with a 16 msec interval—most susceptible to degradation in terms of their clarity or strength.

In contrast, durations such as 25 msec, 50 msec, and 10 msec do not directly correspond to the 60 Hz frequency, and therefore, while they may see some reduction in amplitude