The number of AC cycles per second is called the what?

• A. Wavelength
• B. Amplitude
• C. Frequency
• D. Phase

Answer: (C)

Frequency is the number of AC cycles that occur each second. It tells you how often the waveform repeats in one second, with the unit hertz (Hz) meaning one cycle per second. For example, household power in the United States runs at 60 Hz, while many other countries use 50 Hz. Wavelength is the distance one cycle travels, amplitude is the height of the waveform, and phase is the relative timing of two waveforms. The concept of cycles per second is captured by frequency.