Frequency

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Frequency of waves

Measuring the frequency of sound, electromagnetic waves (such as radio or light), electrical signals, or other waves, the frequency in hertz is the number of cycles of the repetitive waveform per second. If the wave is a sound, frequency is what characterizes its pitch.

Related Topics:
Sound - Electromagnetic wave - Radio - Light - Pitch

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Frequency has an inverse relationship to the concept of wavelength. The frequency f is equal to the speed v of the wave divided by the wavelength λ (lambda) of the wave:

Related Topics:
Wavelength - Speed - Wave - Divided

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:f = rac{v}{lambda}

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In the special case of electromagnetic waves moving through a vacuum, then v = c, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and this expression becomes:

Related Topics:
Vacuum - Speed of light

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:f = rac{c}{lambda}

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NOTE: When waves travel from one medium to another, their frequency remains more or less the same - only their wavelength and/or speed changes.

Related Topics:
Waves - Medium - Wavelength - Speed

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