Frequency is the rate or number of times a bar magnet rotates a full 360 degrees inside a coil, during one second. Most people just say 60 cycles, and the "each second" is understood. AC current is generated at 60 cycles in North America and 50 cycles in most of the rest of the world. The term 60 cycles is usually shortened even further and referred to as 60 Hertz. Utilities accurately control AC power production to this 60-Hertz value, since it is the basis of operation for many devices, especially clocks.
