What is Frequency?

In its essence, frequency tells us how frequently an event recurs or a phenomenon repeats itself within a designated duration. Typically measured in Hertz (Hz), where one Hertz corresponds to a solitary cycle or oscillation per second.

There are various types of frequencies which are as follows:

• Electrical Frequency
• Rotational Frequency
• Angular Frequency
• Spatial Frequency
• Sound Frequency
• Light Frequency
• Mechanical Vibrations
• Communication Systems

Electrical Frequency

In the realm of electrical engineering, frequency refers to the count of alternating current (AC) cycles are happening within a single second.

Rotational Frequency

It tells us how fast the object is revolving or rotating around its axis in a specified time duration. It tells us how many full rotations are completed by an object in an given interval of time.

Mathematical Representation

Rotational Frequency (ω) is computed by dividing the angular displacement (θ) by the time interval (t):

[Tex]ω = \frac{θ}{t} [/Tex]

Rotational frequency is typically measured in radians per second (rad/s).

Angular Frequency

It tells us about the rate of rotating means how many radians an object is rotating per unit time interval. It is commonly employed in the analysis of wave patterns and harmonic motion.

Angular Frequency (ω) is determined by the change in phase angle (φ) over time (t):

[Tex]ω = \frac{dφ}{dt} [/Tex]

Spatial Frequency

It denotes the number of oscillations or oscillatory cycles covered in a spatial distance. Its commonly used in image processing, signal analysis.

Spatial Frequency (f) is calculated as the reciprocal of the spatial period (λ), which is the distance over which one complete cycle of the waveform occurs:

[Tex]f = \frac{1}{λ} [/Tex]

Sound Frequency

Within the domain of sound waves, frequency dictates the pitch of a sound. Higher frequencies correlate with higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies yield lower-pitched auditory experiences. Musical notes often find their descriptions through their respective frequencies.

Light Frequency

In optics, frequency pertains to the color of light. Diverse light colors manifest distinct frequencies, with red boasting a lower frequency than blue, for instance.

Mechanical Vibrations

Frequency equally finds application in delineating mechanical oscillations, be it the resonation of a guitar string or the pendulum’s swaying.

Communication Systems

In telecommunications, frequency defines the range of radio waves allocated to distinct communication services. Everyone use internet wifi and many wireless devices. It finds the great use of frequency because of waves transportation.

If you are doing engineering, studying physics, or electronics, you must have read the word frequency. It quantifies the repetitions of a recurring event within a specific timeframe. Although it appears straightforward, frequency carries significant implications across diverse domains, including electrical engineering, musical theory, and more. In this article, we will understand what is it, why it is used, and what terms are used for calculating frequency in an easy manner.