Convert cycle/second to wavelength in hectometres Online | Free frequency-wavelength Converter

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.

Describing Very Low Frequency Radio Waves

A hectometre (hm) is a unit of length equal to 100 metres, and it is used to describe very long wavelengths in the Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Low Frequency (LF) bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelengths in the hectometre range correspond to frequencies between approximately 3 kHz and 3 MHz. These long wavelengths are typically used for maritime navigation, military submarine communication, AM radio broadcasting, and time signal transmissions.

For example, a signal at 300 kHz has a wavelength of 1 kilometre, or 10 hectometres, and a signal at 1 MHz corresponds to 3 hectometres. These long wavelengths have the unique ability to travel long distances and penetrate water and the ground, which is why they are used in submarine communications and emergency broadcast systems.

Using hectometres to express wavelength offers a practical scale for understanding wave propagation over great distances. It also aids in antenna design, where very large antennas—often hundreds of metres long—are needed to efficiently transmit or receive these frequencies. Understanding wavelength in hectometres is important in geophysics, radio astronomy, and large-scale communications infrastructure.