What is the other name for hertz (Hz)?

Hertz (Hz) is a unit of frequency that measures the number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon. When sound waves are generated, they oscillate back and forth, completing a cycle each time they return to their starting point. Therefore, saying that a sound wave has a frequency of one hertz denotes that it completes one full cycle in one second.

The term "Cycles Per Second" (CPS) is, in fact, an earlier nomenclature for frequency that has since been standardized to hertz. It describes the same concept of measuring how many times an event occurs in one second. The adoption of hertz as the official unit honors Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetic waves.

Understanding this relationship between hertz and cycles per second is crucial in audio production and sound engineering, as it affects pitch and audio quality. Frequencies are fundamental in designing audio equipment and in setting up sound systems, where accurate measurements inform how sound interacts with various environments.