Page 194 - Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of Applied Physics

CHAP. 15] WAVES AND SOUND 179

Fig. 15-3

WAVEPROPERTIES
The period T of a wave is the time required for one complete wave to pass a given point. The frequencyf is the
number of waves that pass that point per second [Fig. 15-4(a)], so
1
f =
T
1
Frequency =
period
As in the case of periodic motion, the unit of wave frequency is the hertz (Hz). Multiples of the hertz are
used for high frequencies:
3
1 kilohertz = 1 kHz = 10 Hz
6
1 megahertz = 1 MHz = 10 Hz
9
1 gigahertz = 1 GHz = 10 Hz

Fig. 15-4