Magnetic tape, commonly referred to as just tape, is very thin plastic tape coated across the length of it with a magnetic substance. For example, it could be coated with
iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) or chromium dioxide (CrO₂). Both of these formulas were used in the compact cassette, or cassette tape, a format that stored audio signals on this magnetic tape, running past stationary tape heads at a speed of 1.
875 inches per second. Magnetic tape was also used on video recording formats such as VHS, Video2000, and Betamax. It is also used in the high-end recording market, and there it is called
reel-to-reel tape.
Tape can also be used as a slang term for recording something on tape (For an example, see below)
I have so many tapes, now I can listen to all kinds of music!
Most
VHS tapes contain
246 meters of magnetic tape, all wound up on a
spool.
Extra:
Person 1: Hey, can you record (program x)?
Person 2: Sure! I'll tape (program x) on (device of choice)