What is frequency measured in?

Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). One Hertz is equal to one cycle per second. So, if something has a frequency of 10 Hz, it means it completes 10 cycles every second.

Here's some additional information broken down by context:

• Sound: Frequency in sound refers to pitch. Higher frequency sounds are perceived as higher pitched, while lower frequency sounds are lower pitched. The human ear can typically perceive sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Frequencies above 20 kHz are considered ultrasonic, and below 20 Hz are infrasonic.

• Light: Light is also a wave, and its frequency determines its color. Higher frequency light appears violet or blue, while lower frequency light appears red. Visible light has frequencies ranging from roughly 430 THz (terahertz) to 750 THz. Frequencies beyond visible light include ultraviolet (higher frequency) and infrared (lower frequency).

• Radio waves: Radio waves are used for communication and have frequencies ranging from a few kilohertz (kHz) to hundreds of gigahertz (GHz). Different frequency bands are used for different purposes, like AM radio, FM radio, television, cell phones, and Wi-Fi.

• Other Applications: Frequency is a crucial concept in many areas of physics and engineering, including:

  • Electronics: Describing the speed of oscillations in circuits.
  • Mechanics: Describing the rate of vibrations in structures or machines.
  • Quantum mechanics: Describing the energy levels of atoms and molecules.

Therefore, while the basic unit is Hertz, you'll often see multiples and submultiples of Hertz used depending on the context, such as:

• kHz (kilohertz): 1,000 Hz
• MHz (megahertz): 1,000,000 Hz
• GHz (gigahertz): 1,000,000,000 Hz
• THz (terahertz): 1,000,000,000,000 Hz

and so on. The choice of unit depends on the magnitude of the frequency being measured.