What is wave frequency?

Wave frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point per second.

In physics, frequency is defined as the number of cycles of a periodic wave that occur in a unit of time. For example, if a wave completes one cycle in one second, its frequency is one cycle per second or one Hertz (Hz). Frequency is measured in Hertz, which is the SI unit of frequency.

The frequency of a wave is determined by the source of the wave and the medium through which it travels. Waves with higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and carry more energy. In the electromagnetic spectrum, the frequency of a wave determines its position on the spectrum. Radio waves have the lowest frequency, followed by microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, which have the highest frequency.

Wave frequency is an important concept in many areas of physics, including optics, acoustics, and electromagnetism. It is used to describe the behaviour of waves in different media, such as air, water, and solids. Understanding wave frequency is essential for understanding the properties of waves and their applications in various fields, such as communication, medicine, and engineering.