Frequency

Definition:

Frequency refers to the number of repetitions of a periodic process per unit of time. It is often used in physics and technology to describe the number of oscillations, waves or cycles per second.

Unit:

The SI unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz corresponds to one repetition per second.

Applications:

Acoustics:
In acoustics, frequency describes the pitch of a sound. Higher frequencies correspond to higher tones.
Electromagnetic waves:
In electrical engineering and telecommunications, frequency describes the number of oscillations of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, microwaves and light.
Mechanical oscillations:
In mechanics, frequency describes the number of oscillations of an oscillating system, such as a spring or a pendulum.

Formula:

The frequency \( f \) is the reciprocal of the period duration \( T \), i.e. \( f=\frac{1}{T} \).

Examples:

50 Hz:
The mains frequency in many countries, which describes the frequency of the alternating current in the power grid.
440 Hz:
The standard frequency for the concert pitch A, which is used as a reference tone in music.

Meaning:

Frequency is a fundamental concept in many scientific and technical disciplines and plays a crucial role in analysing and describing wave phenomena.