Rate and Frequency, Are they the same?

In summary, rate and frequency are two different concepts that are often used interchangeably. Rate refers to how often something occurs per unit of time, while frequency is the number of times a value occurs in a specific time interval. While rate can be constant, frequency is often represented as a varying value. For example, radar uses both rate and frequency in its operation, with the pulse recurrence frequency representing the rate at which pulses are sent out, while the frequency of returns indicates the number of times the signal is received. Additionally, radioactive decay can occur at a certain rate, but it does not have a frequency since the times between decays are random.
  • #1
bmed90
99
0
In my mind rate can be thought of as how often something occurs per time (in time domain)

To my knowledge frequency is cycles/time

Can these two words be thought of as different words with the same meaning?
 
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  • #2
I think rate does not include cycle in its meaning, whereas frequency does.
Frequency implies an oscillation but rate doesn't.

rate can be graphed as a flat line 70 miles per hour for 1 hr.

frequency is graphed like a sin, where you have highs and low to mark off discrete events that are counted per time.
 
  • #3
Hmm so, perhaps they are not the same because rate can be a constant value over time whereas frequency is a value that is always changing?
 
  • #4
rate:
A way of comparing two quantities.

frequency:
The number of times a value occurs in some time interval.

source: http://www.mathpropress.com/glossary/glossary.html
 
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  • #5
An example of that would be radar: it can be an RF beam running at 10 gigahertz, say, and it has to by definition, send out pulses, so say it has a pulse width of 1 nanosecond and sends that out 100 times per second, that would then be a pulse recurrence frequency of 100 hertz. That is PRF. That is the rate the pulse is sent out. In between the pulses, the receiver is turned on to listen for returns. At 100 pulses per second, since the speed of light is about 186,000 miles per second, 1/100th of that would be 1860 miles but you have to cut that in half because the signal has to go out and come back so in this case the range of the radar would be 930 miles.
 
  • #6
Radioactive decay can occur at a certain rate, but it has no frequency. There is no periodicity, the times between decays are random.
 

FAQ: Rate and Frequency, Are they the same?

What is the difference between rate and frequency?

The main difference between rate and frequency is the units that are used to measure them. Rate is typically measured in units of a quantity per unit of time, such as miles per hour or liters per minute. Frequency, on the other hand, is measured in cycles per unit of time, such as hertz or revolutions per minute.

Are rate and frequency interchangeable terms?

No, rate and frequency are not interchangeable terms. While they are related concepts, they refer to different measurements and have distinct units of measurement. It is important to use the correct term and unit when discussing these concepts in order to avoid confusion.

How are rate and frequency related?

Rate and frequency are related because they both refer to how often something occurs in a given amount of time. Rate is a measure of how much of something happens in a specific time period, while frequency is a measure of how many times something happens in that time period.

Can rate and frequency be used to describe any type of event?

Yes, rate and frequency can be used to describe any type of event that occurs over time. For example, they can be used to describe the speed of an object, the rate of chemical reactions, or the frequency of a sound wave.

How can rate and frequency be calculated?

Rate can be calculated by dividing the amount of something by the time it takes to occur. For example, if you drive 100 miles in 2 hours, your rate would be 50 miles per hour. Frequency can be calculated by dividing the number of times something occurs by the time it takes to occur. For example, if a sound wave oscillates 100 times in 1 second, its frequency would be 100 hertz.

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