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Frequency (in the context of sound)

Similar term(s): audio frequency, sound frequency, sound wave.

Definition:

Frequency is the measurement of the number of times that a repeated event occurs per unit of time.

The frequency of wave-like patterns including sound, electromagnetic waves (such as radio or light), electrical signals, or other waves, expresses the number of cycles of the repetitive waveform per second.

In SI units, the result is measured in Hertz (Hz), named after the German physicist, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz. 1 Hz means one cycle (or wave) per second.

Frequency has an inverse relationship to the concept of wavelength (the distance between two peaks) such that the frequency is equal to the velocity divided by the wavelength.

Source: GreenFacts

More:

Audio-frequency

For humans, hearing is limited to frequencies between about 20 Hz and 20 000 Hz, with the upper limit generally decreasing with age. Other species have a different range of hearing.

Humans are particularly sensitive to intermediate frequencies (3 000 to 4 000 Hz), while lower and higher-pitched sounds appear less loud. As a reference the lowest and the highest note on a grand piano are 27 Hz and 4 000 Hz.

Source: GreenFacts

Related words:

Decibel - Frequency - Sound

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Personal Music Players & Hearing:

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Frequenz (im Zusammenhang mit Schall)
Español: Frecuencia (sonido)
Français: Fréquence (sonore)

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