KHz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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kHz
[keɪˈhɜrts ]
Definition
frequency measurement
kHz, or kilohertz, is a unit of frequency equal to one thousand hertz. It is commonly used to measure sound frequencies, radio frequencies, and other wave phenomena. In audio applications, kHz is often used to describe the sampling rate of digital audio signals.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 100 kHz.
- High-fidelity audio should ideally have a sampling rate of at least 44.1 kHz.
- The sound waves were recorded at 48 kHz.
- In telecommunications, a bandwidth of 20 kHz is often used.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In audio, 1 kHz represents a sound wave that repeats 1,000 times each second, helping in understanding sound frequencies.
- Lower frequencies (in Hz) are associated with bass sounds, while higher frequencies (kHz) correspond to treble and higher-pitched sounds.
Technology
- Most digital sound systems operate within the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the typical hearing range for humans.
- In telecommunications, kHz is vital for understanding bandwidth in signals, like those in radio broadcasts or mobile communication.
Pop Culture
- The audio quality of music is often measured in kHz, influencing how we perceive sound clarity in songs and recordings.
- Certain music genres, like electronic dance music, utilize specific kHz ranges to create appealing beats and effects.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that sounds above certain kHz can affect our mood and concentration, showing the psychological impact of sound frequencies.
- Research also indicates that exposure to higher frequency sounds can improve cognitive functions, such as memory.
Origin of 'kHz'
Main points about word origin
- The 'kilo' in kHz means 'one thousand' in Greek, while 'hertz' honors Heinrich Hertz, a scientist known for his work on radio waves.
- The term 'hertz' was established in 1930, transforming how we quantify frequency, marking a shift from older methods.
The term kilohertz (kHz) derives from the metric prefix 'kilo-', which means one thousand, combined with the unit of frequency, hertz (Hz). Hertz is named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetic waves in the late 19th century. The term was officially adopted in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of radio frequencies as technology progressed. The kilohertz unit began to gain prominence with the development of audio technology and telecommunications, particularly in the mid-20th century as these technologies became more widely used in consumer electronics. Today, kHz remains an essential measurement in various fields, including audio engineering, telecommunications, and electronics, where it serves to quantify frequencies in the range of thousands of hertz.