EM Waves for Communication Flashcards
Other than radio waves and infrared waves, which region of the EM spectrum is useful for communications?
Microwaves
Why are radio waves suitable for communicating over long distances around the Earth?
Radio waves can reach distant places by either diffracting with the curvature of the Earth, or by being reflected by the atmosphere.
Why must you be in direct sight of the transmitter to receive FM radio?
FM radio uses radio waves with very short wavelengths that cannot bend or travel far through buildings
Suggest a necessary property of EM waves used to send signals between satellites and the Earth’s surface
To reach the satellite, these waves must not be absorbed by water in the atmosphere
Describe what is happening inside a transmitter as it emits radio waves.
An alternating current made up of oscillating charges flows through the transmitter. These oscillating electric charges produces radio waves
Describe how a radio wave receiver converts an incoming radio wave into an electrical signal.
When a receiver absorbs radio waves their energy is transferred to the electrons within the receiver. This causes the electrons to oscillate, generating an alternating current.
