What is the term used to describe the number of cycles that occur in one second?

The term that describes the number of cycles occurring in one second is known as frequency. In electrical and electronic contexts, frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz equals one cycle per second. Understanding frequency is essential for various applications, particularly in alternating current (AC) systems, where it indicates how many times the current reverses direction in a second. This influences the behavior of electrical devices, as different devices may operate efficiently at specific frequencies, such as 60 Hz in North America or 50 Hz in many other parts of the world.

Amplitude refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, typically measured from the position of equilibrium. Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit, and current refers to the flow of electric charge in a circuit. While all these terms are related to electrical systems, only frequency accurately captures the concept of cycles per second.