What does hertz measure?

Hertz is the unit of measurement that defines cycles per second, specifically in the context of frequency. When discussing sound, frequency refers to how many times a sound wave oscillates or cycles in one second. This characteristic is crucial for understanding the pitch of a sound; higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches.

For example, if a sound wave completes 440 cycles in one second, it is said to have a frequency of 440 hertz, which is recognized as the pitch of the musical note A above middle C. This measurement is fundamental in fields such as acoustics, audiology, and music, contributing to our understanding of how sound is perceived by the human ear.