Define the term frequency in relation to a wave?

Frequency of a wave is the number of complete wave cycles that pass a fixed point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Visualizing frequency

Imagine sitting by a dock and counting water crests that hit a post. If five crests pass every second, the water wave frequency is 5 Hz. The same idea applies to sound waves in air, light waves in space, or electrical waves in a wire.

Equation linking wave quantities

v = f? ? speed equals frequency times wavelength. For a constant speed medium, higher frequency means shorter wavelength.

Everyday examples

• Human hearing: 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz is audible.
• Radio stations: FM at 100 MHz (100 million Hz) means 100 million cycles each second.
• Power supply: Household AC in India runs at 50 Hz.

Importance of frequency

Frequency decides pitch in music, color in light, and data rate in wireless communication. Engineers tune frequency to avoid interference and match device limits.