Frequency is the rate at which the repetitive event that occurs over a specific period. Frequency shows the oscillations of waves, operation of electrical circuits and the recognition of sound. The frequency is the basic concept for different fields from physics and engineering to music and many more.
What is Frequency?
Frequency in electronics is referred to as the number of waves per second. The frequency tells us how frequently an event recurs, or a phenomenon repeats itself within a designated duration. The frequency unit is Hertz (Hz), where one Hertz corresponds to a solitary cycle or oscillation per second.
Frequency Definition
Frequency is defined as the number of vibrations that pass through a particular point within a second. Also, frequency is the reciprocal of the of time interval or period.
FrequencyTypes of Frequency
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.
Rotational Frequency (ω) is computed by dividing the angular displacement (θ) by the time interval (t):
ω = θ / t
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):
ω = dφ/dt
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:
f = 1 / λ
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 uses internet Wi-Fi and many wireless devices. It finds the great use of frequency because of waves transportation.
Important Terminologies of Frequency
Before moving into the ways of determining and calculating frequency, it is essential to understand critical terminology associated with this concept.
More vs Less FrequencyPeriod (T)
Period designates the timespan required to complete a full cycle or oscillation. It represents the reciprocal of frequency, denoted as T = 1 /f, where 'f' signifies frequency in Hertz. For instance, if a wave boasts a frequency of 5 Hz, its period spans 1/5 seconds or 0.2 seconds.
Amplitude
Amplitude signifies the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. In the context of sound waves, it establishes sound loudness, while in electrical signals, it embodies peak voltage or current levels.
Wavelength (λ)
Wavelength conveys the spatial gap between consecutive points in a wave that align in phase, like two crests or two troughs. Wavelength manifests an inverse correlation with frequency, expressed as λ = c / f, with 'c' representing wave speed.
Angular Frequency (ω)
Angular frequency offers an alternative way of articulating frequency, frequently employed in trigonometric equations. It corresponds to frequency through ω = 2πf, where 'ω' denotes angular frequency in radians per second, and 'f' signifies frequency in Hertz.
Harmonics
Within sound or waveforms, harmonics materialize as whole-number multiples of the fundamental frequency. They enrich sound or wave character. The vibrating guitar string second harmonics oscillates at twice the frequency of the primary tone.
How to Determine Frequency?
The steps to determine the frequency are as follows.
Step 1: Wave or signal nature
Initiate by identifying the nature of the wave or signal under examination. Is it an electrical waveform, an acoustic wave, or an alternate entity.
Step 2: Evaluate period
If dealing with a wave or oscillation, find out the time interval required to complete a single cycle. This duration is known as period(T)
Step 3: Compute frequency
Leverage the frequency formula as follows:
For electrical signals: f = 1 / T
For sound waves: f = c / λ
For Angular Frequency (ω) = 2π × f
For Wave Speed (v) = f × λ
where,
- f is frequency
- T is time period
- c is speed
- λ is wavelength
Step 4: Unify units and conversion
Ensure harmonized units across measurements and calculations. Hertz (Hz) signifies the standard frequency unit, though diverse units like kilohertz (kHz) or megahertz (MHz) might be encountered. Conversions may be requisite.
Hz to kHz: Kilohertz (kHz) = Hertz (Hz) / 103
Hz to MHz: Megahertz (MHz) = Hertz (Hz) / 106
kHz to Hz: Hertz (Hz) = Kilohertz (kHz) × 103
MHz to Hz: Hertz (Hz) = Megahertz (MHz) × 106
Step 5: Interpretation
To find out the specific frequency it should be interpreted within the context of your specific problem or application. For instance, in the case of an electrical signal, it can be instrumental in circuit design or waveform analysis.
Methods of Measuring Frequency
The frequency is measured using the digital multimeter. The digital multimeter contains the frequency mode that measure the frequency of AC signal. It allows the MIN/MAX recording and auto range. The MIN/MAX recording allows the frequency to be measured to be recorded over specific time. The auto range automatically provides the frequency range except when measured voltage is above the frequency range.
Solved Examples on Frequency
Q1. Suppose you are grappling with an alternating current (AC) signal, and your measurements unveil a period of 0.02 seconds. Determine the frequency?
Solution:
Frequency (f) = 1 / Period (T)
f = 1/0.02s
f = 50 Hz
The frequency of this AC signal amounts to 50 Hertz.
Q2. The speed of sound in air to be approximately 343 meters per second, and the wavelength of a specific note measures 0.7 meters. What is the frequency?
Solution:
Frequency (f) = Speed of Sound (c) / Wavelength (λ)
f = [343 m/s] / 0.7 m
f = 490 Hz
The frequency of this musical note equates to 490 Hertz.
Q3. A radio signal characterized by a wavelength of 3 meters. Find the frequency.
Solution:
Frequency (f) = Speed of Light (c) / Wavelength (λ)
f = [3 x 10^8 m/s] / 3m
f = 100000000 Hz
f = 100 MHz
The frequency of this radio wave stands at 100 megahertz.
Q4. Suppose you are provided a harmonic oscillator device of frequency 2Hz. How would you find its angular frequency?
Solution:
Angular Frequency (ω) = 2π × Frequency (f)
Frequency (f) = 2 Hz
ω = 2π × 2 Hz = 4π radians per second
So, the angular frequency of this harmonic oscillator is 4π radians per second.
Q5. If the frequency and wavelength of the waves are 5Hz and 2m respectively. Find speed of waves?
Solution:
Using the formula: Wave Speed (v) = Frequency (f) × Wavelength (λ)
Frequency (f) = 5 Hz
Wavelength (λ) = 2 meters
v = 5 Hz × 2 meters = 10 meters per second
So, speed of these water waves is 10 meters per second
Advantages and Disadvantages of Frequency
Some list of advantages and disadvantages of frequency given below.
Advantages
- More data can be carried using high frequency which can help in high-speed data transmission.
- The high frequency ultrasounds are used in medical imaging for visualizing internal structures.
- The signals with high frequencies can transmit data quickly in modern communication systems.
- Higher frequencies can provide greater bandwidth for data transmission, enabling more information to be sent simultaneously.
Disadvantages
- The waves with high frequencies do not travel long distances and can be easily absorbed or blocked by obstacles, necessitating more infrastructure.
- The sound waves with high frequency can be unpleasant or damaging to human hearing.
- The signals with high frequencies experience more attenuation in transmission, limiting their range and requiring more repeaters/amplifiers.
- High-frequency signals are more susceptible to interference, reducing signal quality.
Applications of Frequency
The concept of frequency is used in various subjects such as:
Physics and Engineering
- Frequency can be used for wave examination in physics studying different types of waves such as electromagnetic, mechanical and sound waves. Frequency helps us in determining properties such as wavelength and speed.
- Engineers employ frequency analysis to design structures and systems that can resonate at specific frequencies, preventing undesirable resonances in objects like musical instruments and bridges.
- Frequency plays a pivotal role in circuit design, oscillator development, and communication system operation, as seen in radio and television.
Medicine and Biology
- Medical Imaging techniques such as magnetic resource locator (MRI) and ultrasound depends on frequency for generating images of internal structures by sending waves.
- Electroencephalography: EEG measures brain electrical activity, contributing to neuroscience research and clinical diagnoses.
Geophysics
- Study of seismology where waves produced by earthquakes are of very different frequency ranges, so frequency helps scientists in understanding earth structure and seismic nature.
Music and Entertainment
- Movie and Music makers use the frequency analysis for mixing audio recordings.
- Sound effects and music are designed with specific frequencies to enhance the cinematic and gaming experience.
Environmental Science
- Climate scientists employ frequency analysis to study long-term weather patterns and extreme events, such as hurricanes and droughts.
- Ecologists utilize frequency data to investigate species distribution and behavior in different ecosystems.
Conclusion
From the above conclusion we can conclude that the frequency is the reciprocal of the time period. It is measured using the digital multimeter. Frequency is used in various fields like physics, engineering, or sound. The frequency can be calculated using the time period, wavelength and speed. Frequency helps in data transmission, communication and in medical image.
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Displacement in Simple Harmonic MotionThe Oscillatory Motion has a big part to play in the world of Physics. Oscillatory motions are said to be harmonic if the displacement of the oscillatory body can be expressed as a function of sine or cosine of an angle depending upon time. In Harmonic Oscillations, the limits of oscillations on eit
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Sound
Production and Propagation of SoundHave you ever wonder how are we able to hear different sounds produced around us. How are these sounds produced? Or how a single instrument can produce a wide variety of sounds? Also, why do astronauts communicate in sign languages in outer space? A sound is a form of energy that helps in hearing to
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What are the Characteristics of Sound Waves?Sound is nothing but the vibrations (a form of energy) that propagates in the form of waves through a certain medium. Different types of medium affect the properties of the wave differently. Does this mean that Sound will not travel if the medium does not exist? Correct. It will not, It is impossibl
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Speed of SoundSpeed of Sound as the name suggests is the speed of the sound in any medium. We know that sound is a form of energy that is caused due to the vibration of the particles and sound travels in the form of waves. A wave is a vibratory disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another point wit
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Reflection of SoundReflection of Sound is the phenomenon of striking of sound with a barrier and bouncing back in the same medium. It is the most common phenomenon observed by us in our daily life. Let's take an example, suppose we are sitting in an empty hall and talking to a person we hear an echo sound which is cre
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Refraction of SoundA sound is a vibration that travels as a mechanical wave across a medium. It can spread via a solid, a liquid, or a gas as the medium. In solids, sound travels the quickest, comparatively more slowly in liquids, and the slowest in gases. A sound wave is a pattern of disturbance caused by energy trav
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How do we hear?Sound is produced from a vibrating object or the organ in the form of vibrations which is called propagation of sound and these vibrations have to be recognized by the brain to interpret the meaning which is possible only in the presence of a multi-functioning organ that is the ear which plays a hug
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Audible and Inaudible SoundsWe hear sound whenever we talk, listen to some music, or play any musical instrument, etc. But did you ever wondered what is that sound and how is it produced? Or why do we hear to our own voice when we shout in a big empty room loudly? What are the ranges of sound that we can hear? In this article,
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Explain the Working and Application of SONARSound energy is the type of energy that allows our ears to sense something. When a body vibrates or moves in a ‘to-and-fro' motion, a sound is made. Sound needs a medium to flow through in order to propagate. This medium could be in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid. Sound propagates through a
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Noise PollutionNoise pollution is the pollution caused by sound which results in various problems for Humans. A sound is a form of energy that enables us to hear. We hear the sound from the frequency range of 20 to 20000 Hertz (20kHz). Humans have a fixed range for which comfortably hear a sound if we are exposed
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Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, ExamplesDoppler Effect is an important phenomenon when it comes to waves. This phenomenon has applications in a lot of fields of science. From nature's physical process to planetary motion, this effect comes into play wherever there are waves and the objects are traveling with respect to the wave. In the re
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Doppler Shift FormulaWhen it comes to sound propagation, the Doppler Shift is the shift in pitch of a source as it travels. The frequency seems to grow as the source approaches the listener and decreases as the origin fades away from the ear. When the source is going toward the listener, its velocity is positive; when i
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Electrostatics
ElectrostaticsElectrostatics is the study of electric charges that are fixed. It includes an study of the forces that exist between charges as defined by Coulomb's Law. The following concepts are involved in electrostatics: Electric charge, electric field, and electrostatic force.Electrostatic forces are non cont
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Electric ChargeElectric Charge is the basic property of a matter that causes the matter to experience a force when placed in a electromagnetic field. It is the amount of electric energy that is used for various purposes. Electric charges are categorized into two types, that are, Positive ChargeNegative ChargePosit
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Coulomb's LawCoulomb’s Law is defined as a mathematical concept that defines the electric force between charged objects. Columb's Law states that the force between any two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of the charge but is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between t
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Electric DipoleAn electric dipole is defined as a pair of equal and opposite electric charges that are separated, by a small distance. An example of an electric dipole includes two atoms separated by small distances. The magnitude of the electric dipole is obtained by taking the product of either of the charge and
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Dipole MomentTwo small charges (equal and opposite in nature) when placed at small distances behave as a system and are called as Electric Dipole. Now, electric dipole movement is defined as the product of either charge with the distance between them. Electric dipole movement is helpful in determining the symmet
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Electrostatic PotentialElectrostatic potential refers to the amount of electrical potential energy present at a specific point in space due to the presence of electric charges. It represents how much work would be done to move a unit of positive charge from infinity to that point without causing any acceleration. The unit
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Electric Potential EnergyElectrical potential energy is the cumulative effect of the position and configuration of a charged object and its neighboring charges. The electric potential energy of a charged object governs its motion in the local electric field.Sometimes electrical potential energy is confused with electric pot
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Potential due to an Electric DipoleThe potential due to an electric dipole at a point in space is the electric potential energy per unit charge that a test charge would experience at that point due to the dipole. An electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit of positive charge from a reference point to a specific
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Equipotential SurfacesWhen an external force acts to do work, moving a body from a point to another against a force like spring force or gravitational force, that work gets collected or stores as the potential energy of the body. When the external force is excluded, the body moves, gaining the kinetic energy and losing a
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Capacitor and CapacitanceCapacitor and Capacitance are related to each other as capacitance is nothing but the ability to store the charge of the capacitor. Capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits that store electrical energy in the form of an electric charge. They are widely used in various applications,
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