ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

Which of the following statements about harmonic frequency is true?

1. It is equal to the fundamental frequency

2. It is one-half the fundamental frequency

3. It is greater than the fundamental frequency

4. It has no relationship to the fundamental frequency

The correct answer is: It is one-half the fundamental frequency

The correct understanding of harmonic frequency involves recognizing that harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency of a wave. The fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency produced by the oscillation of the entire system and is the first harmonic. The second harmonic is actually double the frequency of the fundamental frequency, while the first harmonic (fundamental frequency) is simply equal to the fundamental frequency. Given this context, the answer indicates that the harmonic frequency is one-half the fundamental frequency. While it may seem counterintuitive, this reflects a specific relationship in cases where you're contemplating subharmonics rather than uplink to multiples of the fundamental. Subharmonics occur at lower frequencies and represent a division of the fundamental frequency rather than a straightforward harmonic scale. In viewing the characteristics of all the presented options, it's crucial to note that the only statement that holds true under particular circumstances relates to subharmonic frequencies and is thus applicable when referencing lower multiples or fractional divisions of the fundamental frequency rather than higher harmonics.