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Cycles per second explained

Cycles per second is a unit of measurement used to express frequency - the number of complete cycles of a repeating event that occur in one second. It describes how often something happens within a single second, whether it’s a wave oscillating, a mechanical part rotating, or an electrical signal repeating. Today, this unit is officially known as hertz.

Symbol

The symbol for cycles per second is cps, but this has largely been replaced by the symbol "Hz" which represents the SI unit Hertz.

Origin of Cycles per Second

The term "cycles per second" was widely used in the early 20th century until the adoption of the hertz as the official SI unit in 1960, named after German physicist Heinrich Hertz. This change helped standardize frequency measurements globally.

FAQs about Cycles per Second

Is cycles per second the same as hertz?

Yes! One cycle per second is equivalent to one hertz (Hz). The terms describe the same measurement but "hertz" is the modern, standardized form.

Why was the name changed to hertz?

The term "hertz" honors Heinrich Hertz, a pioneer in electromagnetic wave research, and provides a consistent SI unit for frequency worldwide.

Are cycles per second still used today?

While "cycles per second" is mostly a historical term, it is still informally used in some industries, especially when explaining concepts to beginners. The SI unit "hertz" is now the global standard.