Convert between hertz (Hz), terahertz (THz), wavelength in meters, nanometers, and other frequency and wavelength units with scientific precision.
The SI unit of frequency, defined as one cycle per second. 1 Hz = 1 cycle/second. Named after physicist Heinrich Hertz, fundamental to measuring electromagnetic and acoustic wave frequencies.
Common uses: Radio frequencies, audio frequencies, AC power frequencies, computer clock speeds, and all periodic phenomena.
The SI unit of wavelength, the distance between successive peaks or troughs of a wave. Related to frequency by: wavelength = c / frequency, where c = 299,792,458 m/s (speed of light in vacuum).
Application: Optical wavelengths, RF wavelengths, and all wave-based measurements in physics.
One billionth of a meter. 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m. Commonly used for visible light, UV, and X-ray wavelengths.
Typical ranges: Visible light: 380-700 nm; UV: 10-380 nm; Infrared: 700 nm - 1 mm
One trillion hertz. 1 THz = 10¹² Hz. Associated with terahertz radiation, infrared frequencies, and emerging imaging technologies.
Application: Terahertz spectroscopy, security imaging, materials analysis, and emerging wireless communications.
One billion hertz. 1 GHz = 10⁹ Hz. Common frequency for microwave ovens, cell phones, WiFi, and microprocessors.
Typical examples: WiFi: 2.4-5.8 GHz; Cell phones: 0.8-2.6 GHz; Microwave ovens: 2.45 GHz; Computer CPUs: 2-5 GHz
One million hertz. 1 MHz = 10⁶ Hz. Common for radio broadcasts, radar, and older computer specifications.
Typical examples: FM radio: 88-108 MHz; AM radio: 520-1,600 kHz; TV broadcasts: 54-216 MHz
For electromagnetic waves in vacuum: f × λ = c, where:
Key principle: Higher frequency means shorter wavelength, and vice versa. This inverse relationship is fundamental to all wave physics.
A quantum mechanical wavelength associated with elementary particles. The Compton wavelength equals h / (m × c), where h is Planck's constant, m is particle mass, and c is the speed of light.
Values: Electron: ~2.43 pm; Proton: ~1.32 fm; Neutron: ~1.32 fm. Used in quantum mechanics and particle physics.