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[[File:FrequencyAnimation.gif|thumb|right|Three cyclically flashing lights, from lowest frequency (top) to highest frequency (bottom). ''f'' is the frequency in [[hertz]] (Hz), meaning the number of cycles per second. ''T'' is the period in seconds (s), meaning the number of seconds per cycle. ''T'' and ''f'' are [[multiplicative inverse|reciprocals]].]]
 
'''Frequency''' is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit [[time]]. It is also referred to as '''temporal frequency''', which emphasizes the contrast to [[spatial frequency]] and [[angular frequency]]. The period is the duration of one [[turn (geometry)|cycle]] in a repeating event, so the period is the [[multiplicative inverse|reciprocal]] of the frequency.  For example, if a newborn baby's heart beats at a frequency of 120 times a minute, its period (the interval between beats) is half a second.
 
In some fields, especially where [[frequency-domain]] analysis is used, the concept of frequency is applied only to [[sinusoid]]al phenomena, since in [[linear system]]s more complex periodic and nonperiodic phonomena are most easily analyzed in terms of sums of sinusoids of different frequencies.
 
== Definitions and units ==
 
[[File:Sine waves different frequencies.svg|thumb|right|[[Sine wave|Sinusoidal wave]]s of various frequencies; the bottom waves have higher frequencies than those above.  The horizontal axis represents time.]]
 
For [[turn (geometry)|cyclical]] processes, such as [[rotation]], [[oscillation]]s, or [[wave]]s, frequency is defined as a number of cycles per unit time. In [[physics]] and [[engineering]] disciplines, such as [[optics]], [[acoustics]], and [[radio]], frequency is usually denoted by a Latin letter ''f'' or by the Greek letter [[Nu (letter)|''ν'' (nu)]]. Note, the related concept, [[angular frequency]], is usually denoted by the Greek letter [[Omega (letter)|''ω'' (omega)]], which uses the [[SI derived unit|SI]] unit [[radian]]s per second (rad/s).
 
For counts per unit of time, the [[SI derived unit|SI]] unit for frequency is the [[hertz]] (Hz), named after the German physicist [[Heinrich Hertz]]; 1&nbsp;Hz means that an event repeats once per [[second]]. A previous name for this unit was [[cycles per second]] (cps).
 
A traditional unit of measure used with rotating mechanical devices is [[revolutions per minute]], abbreviated ''RPM''. 60 RPM equals one hertz.<ref>{{Cite book
  | last = Davies
  | first = A.
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | publisher = Springer
  | year = 1997
  | location = New York
  | doi =
  | id =
  | isbn = 978-0-412-61320-3
  | url = http://books.google.com/?id=j2mN2aIs2YIC&pg=RA1-PA275
  | title = Handbook of Condition Monitoring: Techniques and Methodology}}</ref>
 
The period, usually denoted by ''T'', is the duration of one cycle, and is the [[reciprocal (mathematics)|reciprocal]] of the frequency ''f'':
:<math>T = \frac{1}{f}.</math>
The [[SI]] unit for period is the second.
 
== Measurement ==
 
=== By counting ===
Calculating the frequency of a repeating event is accomplished by counting the number of times that event occurs within a specific time period, then dividing the count by the length of the time period. For example, if 71 events occur within 15 seconds the frequency is:
:<math>f = \frac {71}{15 \,\mbox{sec}} \approx 4.7 \,\mbox{hertz}.\,</math>
If the number of counts is not very large, it is more accurate to measure the time interval for a predetermined number of occurrences, rather than the number of occurrences within a specified time.<ref>{{cite book
  | last = Bakshi| first = K.A. | coauthors = A.V. Bakshi, U.A. Bakshi
  | title = Electronic Measurement Systems
  | publisher = Technical Publications
  | year = 2008| location = US| pages = 4–14
  | url = http://books.google.com/?id=jvnI3Dar3b4C&pg=PT183
  | isbn =  978-81-8431-206-5}}</ref>  The latter method introduces a [[random error]] into the count of between zero and one count, so on [[average]] half a count. This is called ''gating error'' and causes an average error in the calculated frequency of  ''' ''Δf''&nbsp;=&nbsp;1/(2&nbsp;''T<sub>m</sub>'')''', or a fractional error of ''' ''Δf''&nbsp;/&nbsp;''f''&nbsp;=&nbsp;1/(2&nbsp;''f&nbsp;T<sub>m</sub>'')''' where '''''T<sub>m</sub>''''' is the timing interval and '''''f''''' is the measured frequency. This error decreases with frequency, so it is a problem at low frequencies where the number of counts '''''N''''' is small.
 
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| header  =
| image1  = Resonant reed frequency meter.jpg
| caption1 =
| image2  = Czestosciomierz-49.9Hz.jpg
| caption2 =
| width    = 300
| footer  = A resonant-reed frequency meter, an obsolete device used from about 1900 to the 1940s for measuring the frequency of alternating current.  It consists of a strip of metal with reeds of graduated lengths, vibrated by an [[electromagnet]].  When the unknown frequency is applied to the electromagnet, the reed which is [[resonance|resonant]] at that frequency will vibrate with large amplitude, visible next to the scale.
}}
 
=== By stroboscope ===
An older method of measuring the frequency of rotating or vibrating objects is to use a [[stroboscope]]. This is an intense repetitively flashing light ([[strobe light]]) whose frequency can be adjusted with a calibrated timing circuit. The strobe light is pointed at the rotating object and the frequency adjusted up and down. When the frequency of the strobe equals the frequency of the rotating or vibrating object, the object completes one cycle of oscillation and returns to its original position between the flashes of light, so when illuminated by the strobe the object appears stationary. Then the frequency can be read from the calibrated readout on the stroboscope. A downside of this method is that an object rotating at an integer multiple of the strobing frequency will also appear stationary.
 
=== By frequency counter ===
[[Image:Frequency counter.jpg|thumb|A modern frequency counter]]
 
Higher frequencies are usually measured with a [[frequency counter]]. This is an [[electronic instrumentation|electronic instrument]] which measures the frequency of an applied repetitive electronic [[signal (electronics)|signal]] and displays the result in hertz on a [[digital display]]. It uses [[digital logic]] to count the number of cycles during a time interval established by a precision [[quartz clock|quartz]] time base. Cyclic processes that are not electrical in nature, such as the rotation rate of a shaft, mechanical vibrations, or [[sound wave]]s, can be converted to a repetitive electronic signal by [[transducer]]s and the signal applied to a frequency counter. Frequency counters can currently cover the range up to about 100&nbsp;GHz. This represents the limit of direct counting methods; frequencies above this must be measured by indirect methods.
 
=== Heterodyne methods ===
Above the range of frequency counters, frequencies of electromagnetic signals are often measured indirectly by means of [[heterodyning]] ([[frequency changer|frequency conversion]]). A reference signal of a known frequency near the unknown frequency is mixed with the unknown frequency in a nonlinear mixing device such as a [[diode]]. This creates a [[heterodyne]] or "beat" signal at the difference between the two frequencies.  If the two signals are close together in frequency the heterodyne is low enough to be measured by a frequency counter. This process only measures the difference between the unknown frequency and the reference frequency, which must be determined by some other method. To reach higher frequencies, several stages of heterodyning can be used. Current research is extending this method to infrared and light frequencies ([[optical heterodyne detection]]).
 
== Frequency of waves ==
<!-- This section is linked from [[Hearing impairment]] -->
For periodic waves in [[Dispersion relation|nondispersive media]] (that is, media in which the wave speed is independent of frequency), frequency has an inverse relationship to the [[wavelength]], ''λ'' ([[lambda]]). Even in dispersive media, the frequency ''f'' of a sinusoidal wave is equal to the [[phase velocity]] ''v'' of the [[wave]] [[division (mathematics)|divided]] by the wavelength ''λ'' of the wave:
:<math>
f = \frac{v}{\lambda}.
</math>
 
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:
:<math>
f = \frac{c}{\lambda}.
</math>
 
When [[waves]] from a [[monochrome]] source travel from one [[medium (optics)|medium]] to another, their frequency remains the same—only their [[wavelength]] and [[phase speed|speed]] change.
 
== Examples ==
 
=== Light ===
[[File:EM spectrum.svg|thumb|right|Complete spectrum of [[electromagnetic radiation]] with the visible portion highlighted]]
{{main|Light|Electromagnetic radiation}}
 
Visible light is an [[electromagnetic wave]], consisting of oscillating [[electric field|electric]] and [[magnetic field]]s traveling through space. The frequency of the wave determines its color: {{val|4|e=14|ul=Hz}} is red light, {{val|8|e=14|u=Hz}} is violet light, and between these (in the range 4-{{val|8|e=14|u=Hz}}) are all the other colors of the [[rainbow]]. An electromagnetic wave can have a frequency less than {{val|4|e=14|u=Hz}}, but it will be invisible to the human eye; such waves are called [[infrared]] (IR) radiation. At even lower frequency, the wave is called a [[microwave]], and at still lower frequencies it is called a [[radio wave]]. Likewise, an electromagnetic wave can have a frequency higher than {{val|8|e=14|u=Hz}}, but it will be invisible to the human eye; such waves are called [[ultraviolet]] (UV) radiation. Even higher-frequency waves are called [[X-ray]]s, and higher still are [[gamma ray]]s.
 
All of these waves, from the lowest-frequency radio waves to the highest-frequency gamma rays, are fundamentally the same, and they are all called [[electromagnetic radiation]]. They all travel through a vacuum at the same speed (the [[speed of light]]), giving them [[wavelength]]s inversely proportional to their frequencies.  In [[Dispersion (optics)|dispersive media]], such as glass, the speed depends somewhat on frequency, so the wavelength is not quite inversely proportional to frequency.
 
=== Sound ===
{{main|Sound}}
[[Sound]] propagates as mechanical vibration waves of pressure and displacement, in air or other substances. Frequency is the property of [[sound]] that most determines [[Pitch (music)|pitch]].<ref>{{Cite book|last1= Pilhofer |first1=Michael |title=Music Theory for Dummies|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CxcviUw4KX8C|year=2007|publisher=For Dummies|page=97|isbn= 9780470167946}}</ref>
 
The frequencies an ear can hear are limited to a [[threshold of hearing|specific range of frequencies]].  The [[audible frequency]] range for humans is typically given as being between about 20&nbsp;[[Hertz|Hz]] and 20,000&nbsp;Hz (20&nbsp;kHz), though the high frequency limit usually reduces with age. Other [[species]] have different hearing ranges. For example, some dog breeds can perceive vibrations up to 60,000&nbsp;Hz.<ref name="Physics Factbook">{{cite web|url=http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/TimCondon.shtml|title=Frequency Range of Dog Hearing|last=Elert|first=Glenn|coauthors=Timothy Condon|year=2003|publisher=The Physics Factbook|accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref>
 
In many media, such as air, the [[speed of sound]] is approximately independent of frequency, so the wavelength of the sound waves (distance between repetitions) is approximately inversely proportional to frequency.
 
=== Line current ===
In [[Europe]], [[Africa]], [[Australia]], Southern [[South America]], most of [[Asia]], and [[Russia]], the frequency of the [[alternating current]] in [[mains electricity|household electrical outlets]] is 50&nbsp;Hz (close to the [[note|tone]] G), whereas in [[North America]] and Northern [[South America]], the frequency of the alternating current in household electrical outlets is 60&nbsp;Hz (between the [[note|tones]] B♭ and B; that is, a [[minor third]] above the European frequency). The frequency of the '[[mains hum|hum]]' in an [[audio recording]] can show where the recording was made, in countries using a European, or an American, grid frequency.
 
== Period versus frequency ==
As a matter of convenience, longer and slower waves, such as [[ocean surface wave]]s, tend to be described by wave period rather than frequency. Short and fast waves, like [[sound|audio]] and [[radio]], are usually described by their frequency instead of period. These commonly used conversions are listed below:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Frequency
| 1 mHz (10<sup>−3</sup>)
| 1&nbsp;Hz (10<sup>0</sup>)
| 1&nbsp;kHz (10<sup>3</sup>) || 1&nbsp;MHz (10<sup>6</sup>)
| 1&nbsp;GHz (10<sup>9</sup>) || 1 THz (10<sup>12</sup>)
|-
! Period (time)
| 1 ks (10<sup>3</sup>)
| 1 s (10<sup>0</sup>)
| 1 ms (10<sup>−3</sup>) || 1 µs (10<sup>−6</sup>)
| 1 ns (10<sup>−9</sup>) || 1 ps (10<sup>−12</sup>)
|}
 
== Other types of frequency ==
* [[Angular frequency]] ''ω'' is defined as the rate of change of [[angular displacement]], ''θ'', (during rotation), or the rate of change of the [[phase (waves)|phase]] of a [[Sine wave|sinusoid]]al waveform (e.g. in oscillations and waves), or as the rate of change of the [[Argument of a function|argument]] to the [[sine function]]:
 
::<math>y(t) = \sin\left( \theta(t) \right) =  \sin(\omega t) =  \sin(2 \pi f t).\,</math>
 
::<math>\frac{d \theta}{dt} = \omega = 2\pi f.\,</math>
 
: Angular frequency is commonly measured in [[radian]]s per second (rad/s) but, for [[discrete-time signal]]s, can also be expressed as radians per sample time, which is a [[dimensionless quantity]].
 
* [[Spatial frequency]] is analogous to temporal frequency, but the time axis is replaced by one or more spatial displacement axes. E.g.:
 
::<math>y(t) = \sin\left( \theta(t,x) \right) = \sin(\omega t + kx)  \,</math>
 
::<math>\frac{d \theta}{dx} = k .\,</math>
 
: [[Wavenumber]], ''k'', sometimes means the spatial frequency analogue of angular temporal frequency. In case of more than one spatial dimension, wavenumber is a vector quantity.
 
== Frequency ranges ==
The frequency range of a system is the range over which it is considered to provide a useful level of signal with acceptable distortion characteristics. A listing of the upper and lower limits of frequency limits for a system is not useful without a criterion for what the range represents.
 
Many systems are characterized by the range of frequencies to which they respond. Musical instruments produce different ranges of [[Ambitus (music)|notes]] within the [[hearing range]]. The [[electromagnetic spectrum]] can be divided into many different ranges such as visible [[light]], [[infrared]] or [[ultraviolet]] radiation, [[radio]] waves, [[X-ray]]s and so on, and each of these ranges can in turn be divided into smaller ranges. A radio communications signal must occupy a range of frequencies carrying most of its energy, called its [[Bandwidth (signal processing)|bandwidth]].  Allocation of radio frequency ranges to different uses is a major function of radio [[spectrum allocation]].
 
== See also ==
{{Portal|Electronics}}
{{columns-list|2|
*[[Absolute threshold of hearing]]
*[[Audible range]]
*[[Bandwidth (signal processing)]]
*[[Bandwidth extension]]
*[[Bass (sound)]]
*[[Coherence bandwidth]]
*[[Critical band]]
*[[Cumulative frequency analysis]]
*[[Cutoff frequency]]
*[[Downsampling]]
*[[Electronic filter]]
*[[Falsetto]]
*[[Flashes Per Minute]]
*[[Frequency converter]]
*[[Frequency domain]]
*[[Frequency distribution]]
*[[Frequency extender]]
*[[Frequency grid]]
*[[Free spectral range]]
*[[Frequency deviation]]
*[[Frequency spectrum]]
*[[Interaction frequency]]
*[[Musical acoustics]]
*[[MVDDS dispute]]
*[[Natural frequency]]
*[[Negative frequency]]
*[[Normalized frequency (digital signal processing)|Normalized frequency]]
*[[Passband]]
*[[Periodicity (disambiguation)]]
*[[Piano key frequencies]]
*[[Pink noise]]
*[[Pitch (music)]]
*[[Preselector]]
*[[Power bandwidth]]
*[[Range (music)]]
*[[Radar signal characteristics]]
*[[Radio window]]
*[[Rate (mathematics)]]
*[[Resonant frequency]]
*[[Scientific pitch notation]]
*[[Signaling (telecommunications)]]
*[[Spectral width]]
*[[Spread spectrum]]
*[[Spectral component]]
*[[Spectrum allocation]]
*[[Symbol rate]]
*[[Transition band]]
*[[Transverter]]
*[[Ultrasound]]
*[[Upsampling]]
*[[Wavelength]]
*[[Whistle register]]
*[[Wideband audio]]
}}
 
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book | last=Giancoli | first=D.C. | title=Physics for Scientists and Engineers | publisher=Prentice Hall | year=1988 | edition=2nd | isbn=0-13-669201-X | postscript=<!--None--> }}
 
== External links ==
{{Wiktionary|frequency|often}}
*[http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-wavelength.htm Conversion: frequency to wavelength and back]
*[http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-period.htm Conversion: period, cycle duration, periodic time to frequency]
*[http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-notenames.htm Keyboard frequencies = naming of notes - The English and American system versus the German system]
*[http://www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/schools/index1.htm Teaching resource for 14-16yrs on sound including frequency]
*[http://www.ikalogic.com/freq_meter.php A simple tutorial on how to build a frequency meter]
*[http://www.diracdelta.co.uk/science/source/f/r/frequency/source.html Frequency - diracdelta.co.uk] – [[JavaScript]] calculation.
 
{{Acoustics}}
 
[[Category:Acoustics]]
[[Category:Mechanical vibrations]]
[[Category:Physical quantities]]
[[Category:Qualities of thought]]
[[Category:Wave mechanics]]
[[Category:Filter frequency response]]

Revision as of 13:03, 28 February 2014

They call me Hai Eldridge. I used being unemployed luckily I am an invoicing officer and I'll be promoted rather quickly. Ohio is the place Truly like most and my family loves this item. Badge collecting is one that I did for some time.

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