What is meant by 'frequency' in relation to waves?

Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations that occur in a wave within a specific unit of time. It is quantified in Hertz (Hz), where one Hertz represents one cycle per second. This concept is fundamental in understanding wave behaviors since it directly relates to the pitch of sound in acoustics, the color of light in optics, and various other applications in physics.

When a wave oscillates, it does so in a regular pattern, and frequency allows us to quantify how rapidly these oscillations occur. Higher frequencies mean more cycles happen in the same time period, which can affect the energy and characteristics of the wave. Therefore, identifying frequency with the number of cycles per unit time provides a clear understanding of how waves operate in various media and across different scenarios.