Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T5A
T5A06T5A

What is the unit of frequency?

Deep Dive: T5A06

The correct answer is A: Hertz. The unit of frequency is the hertz (abbreviated as 'Hz'), named after Heinrich Hertz who demonstrated radio waves. One hertz equals one cycle per second. Frequency measures how many times something repeats per second. In radio, frequency tells us how many times the electromagnetic wave oscillates per second. 1 Hz = 1 cycle/second, 1 kHz = 1,000 cycles/second, 1 MHz = 1,000,000 cycles/second. Frequency is fundamental to amateur radio - every band and every signal has a frequency. The hertz is the standard unit used worldwide for frequency measurement.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. Henry is the unit of inductance, not frequency. Option C: Incorrect. Farad is the unit of capacitance, not frequency. Option D: Incorrect. Tesla is the unit of magnetic flux density, not frequency.

Exam Tip

Frequency = Hertz. Remember: Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz). One hertz = one cycle per second.

Memory Aid

**F**requency = **H**ertz (think 'F = H' = Frequency = Hertz, Hz)

Real-World Example

You're operating on 146.52 MHz. The 'MHz' stands for megahertz - millions of hertz. This means the radio wave oscillates 146,520,000 times per second. Frequency tells you how fast the wave is oscillating, and hertz is the unit that measures this oscillation rate.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T5A

Reference: FCC Part 97.3

Key Concepts

Frequency Hertz Frequency units Cycles per second

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T5A topic.