Common Frequency Conversions
About Frequency Conversion
Convert between different units of frequency including hertz, kilohertz, megahertz, RPM, and more. Essential for electronics, signal processing, and mechanical engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between frequency and wavelength?
Frequency is how many cycles occur per second (Hz), while wavelength is the distance between wave peaks. They're inversely related: higher frequency means shorter wavelength. Speed = frequency × wavelength.
What frequencies can humans hear?
Human hearing ranges from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Bass sounds are low frequency (20-250 Hz), midrange is 250-4000 Hz, and treble is 4-20 kHz. Age and hearing damage reduce the upper limit.
How do radio frequencies work?
Radio frequencies range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz. AM radio uses 535-1605 kHz, FM radio uses 88-108 MHz, and cell phones use 800-2100 MHz. Higher frequencies carry more data but travel shorter distances.
What is the relationship between RPM and Hz?
RPM (revolutions per minute) converts to Hz by dividing by 60. For example, 3600 RPM = 60 Hz. This conversion is important for motors, engines, and rotating machinery analysis.
Why is 60 Hz used for electrical power?
60 Hz is the standard AC power frequency in North America because it balances efficiency and flicker reduction in incandescent bulbs. Europe uses 50 Hz. The frequency affects motor speeds and transformer design.
What are harmonics in frequency analysis?
Harmonics are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency. A 100 Hz signal has harmonics at 200 Hz, 300 Hz, etc. Harmonics create the timbre that distinguishes different musical instruments playing the same note.