Kilohertz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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kilohertz
[ˈkɪloʊhɜrts ]
Definition
frequency measurement
Kilohertz (kHz) is a unit of frequency equivalent to one thousand hertz. It is commonly used to measure the frequency of electronic signals and sound waves. In the context of audio, kilohertz indicates the number of cycles per second of a sound wave. Frequencies in kilohertz are often used in radio broadcasting, sound processing, and telecommunications.
Synonyms
kHz.
Examples of usage
- The radio station broadcasts at 101.5 kilohertz.
- This sound wave has a frequency of 2 kilohertz.
- In digital audio, sample rates are often expressed in kilohertz.
- The device operates on a frequency of 3 kilohertz.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science and Technology
- Kilohertz is commonly used in radio engineering to describe the frequency of signals transmitted over radio waves, often ranging from 3 kHz to 30 MHz.
- In audio technology, sounds below 20 kHz are considered within the range of human hearing, while higher frequencies like in the MHz range are used for radio and telecommunications.
Pop Culture
- Frequencies measured in kilohertz can affect the quality of music production and radio broadcasts, leading to clearer sound and richer audio experiences.
- Famous vinyl records have sounds that are mastered specifically, often capped within a certain kilohertz range to ensure high fidelity during playback.
Psychology
- Research shows that frequencies around 440 Hz may be more pleasing for the human ear, influencing how music and sounds are composed and perceived.
- Certain sound frequencies, including those measured in kilohertz, can impact mood and emotions, which is why sound therapy is becoming popular for relaxation.
Historical Impact
- The concept of frequency was crucial during the development of early communication technologies, like the telegraph and music radio, changing how humans connect over distances.
- The understanding of frequencies led to significant advancements in technologies such as sound recording and broadcasting, shaping modern media.
Origin of 'kilohertz'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines the prefix 'kilo-', meaning a thousand, with 'hertz', named after Heinrich Hertz, a pioneer in electromagnetic waves.
- Heinrich Hertz was the first to conclusively prove the existence of electromagnetic waves, leading to the understanding of wireless communication.
The term kilohertz is derived from the metric prefix "kilo-", which is used to denote a factor of one thousand, and "hertz", named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetic waves and is recognized for demonstrating the existence of radio waves. The hertz unit was officially adopted in 1960 to replace the term cycles per second (cps). Thus, kilohertz represents a frequency of one thousand cycles per second. The usage of kilohertz became particularly prevalent in the fields of audio engineering, telecommunications, and computing, as technology advanced and the need for precise frequency measurement became more significant. With the evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of sound and signals, the kilohertz scale has remained a relevant and widely recognized unit in various scientific and industrial applications.