Hertz
From TANGOWIKI-TITAF
Hertz
Scientific Unit Frequency Unit Frequency Pitch Heinrich Hertz
Hertz (symbol: Hz) is the **unit of frequency** in the International System of Units (SI). It represents **one cycle per second**.
Use in Music
- Tuning note A₄ = 440 Hz (vibrates 440 times per second)
- Describes the frequency content of sound
- Used in equalization, tuning systems, synthesis, and signal processing
Human Hearing Range
Humans can typically hear between:
- **20 Hz** (low bass) and
- **20,000 Hz (20 kHz)** (high treble)
Historical Background
The unit is named after **Heinrich Rudolf Hertz** (1857–1894), a German physicist who first conclusively proved the existence of electromagnetic waves predicted by James Clerk Maxwell.
In 1930, the "hertz" replaced the earlier term **"cycles per second" (cps)** as part of a movement to standardize scientific units. It was officially adopted as an SI unit in **1960** by the **11th General Conference on Weights and Measures** (CGPM).
Heinrich Hertz
- Born: 22 February 1857, Hamburg, Germany
- Died: 1 January 1894, Bonn, Germany (aged 36)
- Contributions: Proved the wave nature of light and radio; confirmed Maxwell's theories
- Legacy: The hertz (Hz), the SI unit of frequency, is named in his honor
See also
Sources
- Wikipedia contributors. “Hertz (unit).” Wikipedia – Hertz, last updated 2024-03
- Wikipedia contributors. “Heinrich Hertz.” Wikipedia – Heinrich Hertz, last updated 2024-04
- International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). “SI Brochure, 9th edition.” [1]
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “SI Base Units.” [2]