North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

Which term is synonymous with cycles per second?

1. Wave height

2. Frequency

3. Velocity

4. Amplitude

The correct answer is: Frequency

Frequency is the term synonymous with cycles per second. In physics and engineering, frequency specifically refers to the number of times a periodic event occurs in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where one Hertz equates to one cycle per second. This concept is crucial in various fields, such as telecommunications and audio engineering, where understanding the frequency of signals can determine how they will be transmitted and perceived. Given the context of the question, the other terms provided do not equate to cycles per second. Wave height refers to the vertical distance from the crest to the trough of a wave and is related to the energy of the wave rather than its frequency. Velocity describes the speed of an object in a particular direction and does not directly relate to the number of cycles occurring. Amplitude represents the maximum extent of a wave's displacement from its rest position, indicating energy but not the frequency of cycles within a certain time frame. Therefore, the correct association of frequency with cycles per second is clear and underscores its role in understanding waveforms and oscillatory phenomena.