Eli5: What does the frequency (Hz) have to do with electrical output? If the world has 50/60 Hz frequency for their outlets, what exactly does that mean/do? Is it as simple as if it goes below/exceeds the specified frequency it just gives/reduces power output or something different?
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Not that simple. There are basically two kinds of ways to supply electricity “Direct Current” which is just a constant flow of electricity, we’d get this from batteries. And “Alternating Current” which just sort of *shakes* electrons back and forth really quickly, this is what we get from our wall outlets. The frequency refers to how the electrons shake, back and forth 50-60 times per second.
In general Alternating Current is best for long distance power delivery which is why we use it in our homes and outlets. Direct current is great, but only good for small distances, like the batteries in your phone. Going from one to the other requires special electrical devices.
In terms of frequency it’s important for a few reasons – the two big ones
1. You can’t mix frequencies, you have to chose one and stick with it. In a sense choosing 60 hz is arbitrary, different countries use different standards.
2. It does affect how certain devices work, like electrical motors and lights and things, so while there are some benefits to choosing a specific frequency (it’s not completely arbitrary) but you’ll end up designing the devices to the standard. That makes changing the standard a pain in the tush, like the US going metric, it’s just not worth the hassle.
Fun Fact – you can *hear* the 60 hz frequency if you play guitar! Since guitar pick ups turn frequency into notes on the amplifier they will “hear” the 60 frequency as what they call the “60 cycle hum”. It’s that MMMMMMMMMM you hear when you plug a guitar in. In order to cancel that they developed a pick up that loops back against itself, sort of like doing a +60-60=0 thing. That pick up is called a “humbucker” for this reason, and it’s doesn’t have the hum.
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