Frequency Converter
Convert between various units of frequency, including hertz, kilohertz, megahertz, gigahertz, and more.
Conversion Formulas
Hz to kHz:
kHz to MHz:
MHz to GHz:
Hz to wavelength (m):
Interactive Frequency Spectrum
Real-world Applications
Broadcasting
FM radio broadcasting operates at 88-108 MHz. A station at 98.5 MHz has 98,500,000 signal cycles per second.
Telecommunications
5G cellular networks use frequencies ranging from 600 MHz to 71 GHz for different coverage and speed requirements.
Computing
Modern CPU clock speeds typically range from 2-5 GHz, with each cycle representing one opportunity for computation.
Medical Imaging
MRI machines operate at radio frequencies of 42.58 MHz per Tesla of magnetic field strength.
Audio Engineering
Bass frequencies in music typically range from 20-250 Hz, while high treble notes can reach up to 20 kHz.
Microwave Ovens
Operate at 2.45 GHz (2,450,000,000 Hz), a frequency that efficiently excites water molecules to heat food.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1: What is 5.8 GHz expressed in MHz?
Answer: 5,800 MHz
Conversion: GHz × 1,000 = MHz
Question 2: What is the wavelength of a 100 MHz radio signal?
Answer: 3 meters
Using λ = c ÷ f = 300,000,000 ÷ 100,000,000 = 3 meters
Question 3: If a sound has a frequency of 440 Hz, what frequency is one octave higher?
Answer: 880 Hz
One octave higher means doubling the frequency: 440 Hz × 2 = 880 Hz
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About Frequency Units
Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz), which represents one cycle per second. Frequency is a fundamental property in many fields, from electronics to acoustics to quantum physics.
Common Frequency Units
- Hertz (Hz): The SI unit of frequency, defined as one cycle per second. Named after the physicist Heinrich Hertz.
- Kilohertz (kHz): Equal to 1,000 hertz, commonly used for audio frequencies.
- Megahertz (MHz): Equal to 1,000,000 hertz, used for radio frequencies and computer clock speeds.
- Gigahertz (GHz): Equal to 1,000,000,000 hertz, used for microwave frequencies, modern computer processors, and wireless communications.
- Terahertz (THz): Equal to 1,000,000,000,000 hertz, used in scientific research, especially spectroscopy.
Frequency and Wavelength Relationship
Frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) are inversely related through the speed of propagation (v), typically the speed of light for electromagnetic waves:
As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Frequency Applications
Frequency measurements are essential in many fields:
- Telecommunications and radio broadcasting
- Electronics and digital signal processing
- Audio engineering and music production
- Medical imaging and diagnostics
- Optical communications and photonics
- Quantum physics and atomic clocks
- Vibration analysis in mechanical engineering
Common Frequency Ranges
| Application/Phenomenon | Frequency Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human hearing range | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Varies with age and individual |
| AM radio broadcasting | 540 kHz - 1.7 MHz | Long-distance transmission |
| FM radio broadcasting | 88 MHz - 108 MHz | Higher quality, shorter range |
| Wi-Fi networks | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Common wireless networking |
| Microwave ovens | ~2.45 GHz | Water molecule excitation |
| 5G cellular networks | 600 MHz - 71 GHz | High-band, mid-band, low-band |
| Visible light | 430 THz - 770 THz | Red to violet colors |
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum spans a wide range of frequencies:
- Radio waves: 3 kHz - 300 GHz
- Microwaves: 300 MHz - 300 GHz
- Infrared: 300 GHz - 430 THz
- Visible light: 430 THz - 770 THz
- Ultraviolet: 770 THz - 30 PHz
- X-rays: 30 PHz - 30 EHz
- Gamma rays: >30 EHz