Radio waves
Radio waves
Radio waves (pronunciation: /ˈreɪdioʊ weɪvz/) are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum longer than infrared light. They have frequencies from 300 GHz to as low as 3 kHz, and corresponding wavelengths from 1 millimeter to 100 kilometers.
Etymology
The term "radio wave" was coined in the late 19th century with the invention of radio technology. It is derived from the Latin word 'radius' meaning 'beam of light, ray'.
Properties
Radio waves are widely used for communication due to their property of being able to travel long distances. They are less likely to be absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere, allowing them to cover large distances with less power. They can also penetrate non-metallic objects, making them useful for wireless communication technologies such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and television broadcasts.
Related Terms
- Electromagnetic spectrum: The range of all types of EM radiation. Radio waves are at the low-frequency end of the spectrum.
- Frequency: The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz).
- Wavelength: The spatial period of a wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats.
- AM and FM: Two types of modulation schemes used in radio broadcasting.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Radio waves
- Wikipedia's article - Radio waves
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