Megacycle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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megacycle
[ˈmɛgəˌsaɪkəl ]
Definition
measurement unit
A megacycle is a unit of frequency equal to one million cycles per second. It was previously used in telecommunications and radio broadcasting to measure frequency.
Synonyms
MC, megahertz, million cycles.
Examples of usage
- The radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 5 megacycles.
- In the past, the audio equipment was rated in megacycles.
- Engineers often converted frequencies from megacycles to Hertz.
- They used megacycles to specify the tuning range of the device.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In the realm of physics, a megacycle translates to one million oscillations of a wave, commonly used in radio frequency.
- Prior to modern units, 'megacycle' was more commonly used than the SI unit 'megahertz' in early 20th-century telecommunications.
- Audio frequencies in the megacycle range allowed for clearer signal transmission, which was revolutionary for radio broadcasting.
Technology
- The shift to digital technology has led to a decrease in the use of 'megacycle', with 'hertz' being the preferred term today.
- Developments in wireless communication spanning frequencies measured in megacycles have enabled mobile phones and satellite communications.
- In early computer systems, processing speeds were sometimes described in megacycles before the standardization to megahertz.
Pop Culture
- The 1980s saw a rise in music technology, where synthesizers operated on frequencies that often crossed into megacycle ranges, influencing pop music.
- Futuristic sci-fi films from the 70s and 80s sometimes used terms like 'megacycle' to sound advanced or technical.
- In video games, the sound processing capabilities often described in terms of megacycles contributed to the unique audio experiences of that era.
Education
- Teaching about frequency in physics often introduces students to 'megacycle' to understand larger-scale oscillations.
- Understanding the concept of megacycles can help students grasp the basics of sound waves and electromagnetic waves.
- Students learning about radio waves, radar technology, and telecommunications will encounter the term as they explore frequency units.
Origin of 'megacycle'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'mega-' comes from the Greek word 'megas', meaning 'great' or 'large'.
- The term 'cycle' is derived from the Greek 'kyklos', which means 'circle' or 'ring'.
- The combination of 'mega-' and 'cycle' emphasizes the large scale of the frequency measurement.
The term 'megacycle' originated from the prefix 'mega-' which denotes a factor of one million, combined with 'cycle', used in the context of repeating events or oscillations. The usage of megacycle can be traced back to the early 20th century during the rise of radio technology when engineers and scientists began measuring radio frequencies. Before the widespread adoption of the hertz (Hz) as a standard unit for frequency, megacycles were frequently used. However, with the International System of Units (SI) adopting hertz in the 1960s, the term megacycle became less common and outdated. Today, the term megahertz (MHz) is used instead to refer to one million hertz, although in the historical context, megacycles was a vital part of understanding the properties of sound and radio waves.