Frequency

Definition of Frequency

• Frequency is a key characteristic of waves. It refers to the number of complete wave cycles that pass a particular point in a given unit of time.
• It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz is equal to 1 cycle per second.
• High frequency means that it has many wave cycles per unit of time, whereas low frequency means it has fewer wave cycles per unit of time.

Frequency in Different Waves

• Each type of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum has a distinctive range of frequencies. For instance, radio waves have lower frequencies, while gamma rays have the highest frequencies.
• In sound waves, frequency corresponds to pitch. High-frequency sounds are high pitched, and low-frequency sounds are lower pitched.

Calculating Frequency

• Frequency (f) can be calculated using the formula: f = v/λ, where v is wave speed and λ is wavelength.
• This relationship demonstrates that the greater the frequency of a wave, the shorter its wavelength and vice versa.

Effect of Frequency on Energy

• In the electromagnetic spectrum, the energy of the waves increases with increasing frequency. Gamma rays have the highest energy because they have the highest frequency.
• This relationship between frequency and energy implies that high-frequency electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, can potentially be more harmful than low-frequency waves, such as radio waves.

Frequency and Wave Behavior

• The frequency of a wave affects how it interacts with matter. For instance, high-frequency waves, like ultraviolet light, can be absorbed by matter and excite electrons to higher energy levels.
• Frequency also affects a wave’s ability to interfere and create interference patterns. For example, waves of the same frequency can constructively interfere to create a wave with a larger amplitude.