Hertz

SI unit of frequency
Other ways to
to say hertz
inverse-seconds
cycles per second
cps

The hertz (symbol: Hz, definition: 1/s) is a unit derived from time which measures frequency in the International System of Units (SI). Frequency is how often something happens. A frequency of 1 hertz means that something happens once a second. While hertz or Hz are the standard ways to express this unit, other expressions are sometimes used, as shown in the table.

A sine wave with varying frequency

The note Middle C (the C in the middle of the piano) is 261.65 (262) Hz. This means there are 262 vibrations every second, which is heard as the note Middle C, when that piano key is played.

Humans are able to hear sounds between 20 and 20 000 Hz.[1] Owls are able to hear sounds between 200 and 12000 Hz.[2]

The basic unit is 1/second. The unit is named after a German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz.

Multiple units change

1000 hertz is 1 kilohertz. 1000 kilohertz is 1 megahertz, 1000 megahertz is 1 gigahertz: (see table)

Unit Equal to:
Kilohertz (kHz) 1000 Hz
Megahertz (MHz) 1000 kHz
Gigahertz (GHz) 1000 MHz
Terahertz (THz) 1000 GHz
Petahertz (PHz) 1000 THz
Exahertz (EHz) 1000 PHz
Zettahertz (ZHz) 1000 EHz
Yottahertz (YHz) 1000 ZHz

Examples change

Sources change

  1. "Sensitivity of Human Ear". Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  2. "Frequency Hearing Ranges in Dogs and Other Species". Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  3. "Frequency Allocations". Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  4. "Aviation Radio Bands and Frequencies". Smeter. Archived from the original on 12 February 2004. Retrieved 9 February 2016.