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The Unit of Frequency

The term cycle per second, commonly known as the hertz (Hz), is the standard unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI). It measures how many complete cycles or oscillations of a periodic event occur in one second. For example, if a wave oscillates 60 times in one second, it has a frequency of 60 Hz. The concept of cycle per second applies to many fields including sound waves, electromagnetic waves, mechanical vibrations, and alternating current electricity.

Frequency determines many important characteristics of waves, such as pitch in sound or color in light. In electrical engineering, frequency dictates the behavior of AC power systems, with the standard mains electricity frequency being 50 or 60 Hz depending on the country. Radio and television broadcasts also rely on specific frequencies to transmit signals.

Using cycle per second as a unit helps scientists and engineers understand and quantify periodic phenomena. The hertz is essential for designing electronic devices, communication systems, and studying natural oscillations. It provides a universal language to describe the repetitive nature of waves and signals, enabling consistent measurement and comparison across different scientific disciplines.

The Scale of Extremely Low Frequency and Astrophysical Waves

A gigametre (Gm) is equal to 1,000,000,000 metres (10⁹ m) and is used to describe extraordinarily long wavelengths found primarily in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band and in astrophysical phenomena. These wavelengths correspond to frequencies in the millihertz to microhertz range, far below typical human-made radio communications. Gigametre-scale wavelengths are associated with very slow oscillations in space plasmas, planetary magnetospheres, and cosmic radio waves.

For example, a frequency of 1 microhertz (10⁻⁶ Hz) corresponds to a wavelength of about 300 million kilometres (300 Gm), which is roughly twice the distance from the Earth to the Sun. Such enormous wavelengths are significant in studying solar-terrestrial interactions, long-period gravitational waves, and other phenomena in astrophysics and cosmology.

Although gigametre wavelengths are not practical for terrestrial communications, they help scientists understand the large-scale electromagnetic environment of the solar system and beyond. Using the gigametre unit allows researchers to quantify these immense scales and analyze signals and waves that influence planetary environments, space weather, and the interstellar medium.