Science glossary film: Hertz (Hz)

The SI unit of frequency, one hertz is equal to one cycle per second. Named for German physicist Heinrich Hertz, the unit, or multiples such as kilohertz or megahertz, is commonly used to describe the frequency of electromagnetic radiation and sound waves. A tuning fork usually has a frequency of 440Hz – 440 oscillations per second.

Named for German physicist Heinrich Hertz, the unit, or multiples such as kilohertz or megahertz, is commonly used to describe the frequency of electromagnetic radiation and sound waves. A tuning fork usually has a frequency of 440Hz – 440 oscillations per second.