In electrical circuits, how is frequency typically measured?

Frequency in electrical circuits is a measure of how often a repeating event occurs in a given timeframe. The standard unit for measuring frequency is hertz (Hz), which is defined as one cycle per second. This measurement is crucial in various applications, including alternating current (AC) systems where the frequency determines the number of cycles of the current that flow per second.

For example, in many countries, the main electrical supply operates at a frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, meaning the current alternates direction 50 or 60 times every second, respectively. This characteristic affects the design of electrical devices and systems, ensuring they operate efficiently at the specific frequency of the electrical supply they are connected to.

The other units mentioned—volts, ohms, and watts—measure different electrical concepts such as voltage (the potential difference), resistance (the opposition to current), and power (the rate of doing work or the rate at which energy is consumed), respectively, and are not applicable for measuring frequency.