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Hertz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hertz

[hษœrts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

frequency measurement

Hertz is the standard unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI), defined as one cycle per second. It is commonly used to measure various phenomena, such as sound waves and electromagnetic radiation. The term hertz is widely used in electronics and other fields to denote the frequency of periodic events. For example, in audio technology, sound frequencies are often measured in hertz to determine pitch.

Synonyms

cycles per second, frequency unit.

Examples of usage

  • The radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 101.5 megahertz.
  • The CPU operates at a speed of 3.2 gigahertz.
  • Sound frequency can be measured in hertz to establish the tone of a musical note.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sound frequency is measured in hertz; for example, a frequency of 440 Hz corresponds to the musical note A above middle C.
  • In terms of radio frequencies, different stations broadcast at specific hertz values, allowing your radio to tune in to various channels.
  • Hertz is not just for sound; it also applies to light waves, with visible light frequencies typically ranging from 430 THz (terahertz) to 750 THz.

Technology

  • In computing, the speed of a processor is often measured in gigahertz (GHz), where 1 GHz equals 1 billion hertz, indicating how many cycles the processor can perform in one second.
  • Display refresh rates are measured in hertz too; a 60 Hz display refreshes the image 60 times each second, while higher rates can provide smoother visuals for gaming.

Pop Culture

  • Certain music genres have distinct sound frequencies; for example, bass-heavy genres often emphasize lower hertz for deep sounds.
  • The term 'hertz' appears in various songs and albums, often to relate to the rhythm and beat of music, connecting science to art.

Education

  • Understanding hertz is crucial in physics and engineering, especially for students studying waves, sound, and electronics.
  • Many educational tools and resources explain the concept of hertz using visual aids, making it accessible for learners of all ages.

Origin of 'hertz'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hertz' is named after Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist who made important discoveries about electromagnetic waves in the late 19th century.
  • Before 'hertz' was introduced, the unit of frequency was called 'cycles per second'.
  • The term was officially adopted in 1930 by the International Electrotechnical Commission to honor Hertzโ€™s contributions.

The term 'hertz' is named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who was one of the first to demonstrate the existence of electromagnetic waves in the late 19th century. The unit was widely adopted as a standard measure of frequency to honor his contributions to the fields of physics and electrical engineering. The use of the word 'hertz' as a unit was officially recognized in 1930, and it gradually replaced other terms for frequency, such as 'cycles per second.' Over time, hertz has become a fundamental concept in various scientific disciplines, including medicine, telecommunications, and audio technology, reflecting its importance in measuring oscillations and waves.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,032, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.