Sailing Glossary - Term Radio frequency (RF)

The RF waves emanating from an antenna are generated by the movement of electrical charges in the antenna. Electromagnetic waves can be characterized by a wavelength and a frequency. The wavelength is the distance covered by one complete cycle of the electromagnetic wave, while the frequency is the number of electromagnetic waves passing a given point in one second. The frequency of an RF signal is usually expressed in terms of a unit called the \hertz\"" (abbreviated Hz). One Hz equals one cycle per second. One megahertz (MHz) equals one million cycles per second. ""