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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.

The Fundamental Unit of Frequency

The hertz (Hz) is the standard unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI), defined as one cycle per second. It measures how often a repeating event occurs each second, making it a fundamental concept in physics, engineering, and many branches of science.

Frequency measured in hertz is essential for understanding waves and oscillations, including sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and mechanical vibrations. For example, in acoustics, the pitch of a sound corresponds directly to its frequency in hertz—middle C on a piano has a frequency of about 261.6 Hz.

In electrical engineering, hertz measures the frequency of alternating current (AC), with common household power typically operating at 50 or 60 Hz depending on the country. Radio and television broadcasting frequencies, as well as wireless communication signals, are also expressed in hertz and its multiples.

Because hertz represents a single cycle per second, it serves as the base unit from which all other frequency units are derived, including kilohertz, megahertz, and gigahertz. Understanding frequency in hertz allows scientists and engineers to design and analyze systems ranging from audio equipment to complex telecommunications networks.