The term hertz can be used synonymously with hertz , a unit of frequency equivalent to 1 cycle per second . Its symbol is Hz .
The concept derives from a proper name: Heinrich Rudolf Hertz , a physicist born on February 22, 1857 in Hamburg and died on January 1, 1894 in Bonn . This German scientist developed important studies on the generation, detection and transmission of electromagnetic waves .
Specifically, we can establish that this German scientist has gone down in history for discovering the propagation of electromagnetic waves as well as the photoelectric effect and the ways that exist so that they can not only be detected but also produced.
Likewise, it is interesting to know that the decision to name the frequency unit in question after him was a position adopted in 1930 by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Various sources of the electromagnetic field (a combination of electric fields and magnetic fields that oscillate and transport energy) can generate these waves that can propagate in a vacuum at the speed of light . X-rays , visible light and infrared radiation are some of the manifestations of electromagnetic radiation.
To understand what a hertz is, we must understand what the main characteristics of waves are. A wave implies that a disturbance propagates in space transporting energy but not matter . The point at which the wave crosses the equilibrium line is called the node ; The point of maximum amplitude is the crest , while the lowest point is the trough. A cycle , on the other hand, is the path that goes from the node that marks the beginning of the crest path and extends to the node where the valley path ends.
Now we can return to the hertz: it is the unit that is equivalent to 1 cycle per second . This means that hertz allows us to measure how many times a wave repeats per second .
In addition to everything indicated, we must also take into account that, thanks to the International System of Units, we can find a large list of multiples and submultiples of the hertz. Specifically, among the most significant are the following:
-The millihertz (mHz), which has a value of 10-3 Hz.
-The nanohertz (nHz), which is equal to 10-9 Hz.
-The attohertz (aHz), which is equivalent to 10-18 Hz.
-The megahertz (MHz), whose value is 106 Hz.
-The gigahertz (GHz), which is equal to 109 Hz.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that Hertz is precisely the name of a company of American origin that specializes in car rental.
It is based in Florida, was launched in 2010 and since then has managed to operate in practically all corners of the world thanks to its franchise system. It is currently considered the second most important rental car company in its country.