How do Hz, kHz, MHz, and GHz relate?
Each step is a factor of 1,000. One kilohertz (kHz) is 1,000 Hz, one megahertz (MHz) is 1,000,000 Hz, and one gigahertz (GHz) is 1,000,000,000 Hz. CPUs run at GHz, FM radio is at around 100 MHz, AM radio at about 1 MHz, and audio frequencies at 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The converter shifts the decimal accordingly.
How do I convert RPM to Hz?
Divide RPM by 60 to get Hz, since one revolution per minute equals 1/60 cycles per second. So 3,600 RPM equals 60 Hz, which is the speed of a 60 Hz synchronous motor. Going the other way, multiply Hz by 60 to get RPM. The converter is handy when matching motor specs from different regions and standards.
What is BPM and how does it relate to Hz?
BPM (beats per minute) is used in music. Divide BPM by 60 to get Hz. So a 120 BPM track has a kick drum at 2 Hz. BPM is also used for heart rate; 60 BPM equals 1 Hz. The converter translates between BPM, Hz, and RPM, which is convenient for producers, drummers, and biomedical work.
What frequencies do humans hear?
Healthy young ears hear 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Older adults usually lose the high end, dropping to about 14 kHz. Below 20 Hz is infrasound (felt as vibration), and above 20 kHz is ultrasound. The converter is useful for audio engineering, hearing test calibration, and converting frequency specifications between scientific and audio notation.
Why is European mains 50 Hz and US mains 60 Hz?
It is a historical choice. Europe standardised on 50 Hz with 230 V, while the US settled on 60 Hz with 120 V. Both work fine, but motors, transformers, and clocks designed for one frequency may not run correctly on the other. Modern electronics with switching power supplies usually accept both. The converter is helpful for engineering documentation.
How do I convert a wavelength to a frequency?
Use frequency = speed of light / wavelength. For radio, light travels at 3 x 10^8 m/s, so a 3 m wavelength corresponds to 100 MHz. For sound, use the speed of sound (about 343 m/s) instead. The frequency converter handles the time-domain values; pair it with a wavelength tool when you need to bridge between time and space.