Hertz

We have learnt previously, from the diagram below, that we can create an alternating current (AC) by turning the handle through 360°.

Turning the handle creates an alternating A.C. current

Turning this handle once every one second will create the following diagram.

Graph of voltage or current against time over 1 second

This is a plot of voltage or current against time and at this speed you create 1 hertz per second.

1 hertz = one 360° revolution of the handle in one second

Three revolutions per second would look like:

Graph of voltage or current plotted against time showing 3 hertz or 3 revolutions per second