What is Hertz (Hz)? Definition, Unit of Frequency, and Examples
Hertz (Hz) is the unit of frequency, defined as one cycle per second. It is named after Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist who first demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves in the late 19th century.
The hertz is used to measure the number of oscillations or cycles per second of a waveform, and it is commonly used to describe the frequency of sound waves, light waves, and other types of waves. For example, a sound wave with a frequency of 100 Hz would have 100 oscillations per second.
In the context of electronics and electrical circuits, hertz is often used to describe the frequency of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) signals. For example, a AC power supply might provide a voltage of 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hertz, while a DC voltage might be described as 5 volts at a frequency of 1 Hertz.
In summary, hertz is a unit of measurement for frequency, and it is used to describe the number of oscillations or cycles per second of a waveform. It is commonly used in the context of electronics and electrical circuits to describe the frequency of AC and DC signals.