Radiowaves

• What are radio waves part of?

  The electromagnetic spectrum
• What is the wavelength and frequency of radio waves compared to other electromagnetic waves?

  They have the longest wavelength and lowest frequency
• What are radio waves made up of?

  Oscillating electric and magnetic fields
• How can we generate radio waves?

  Using electricity in the form of alternating current
• What device is used to generate radio waves?

  A transmitter
• What does an oscilloscope do in the context of radio waves?

  It shows the frequency of the alternating current
• Why is frequency important in generating radio waves?

  It determines the frequency of the produced wave
• How is a generated radio wave detected?

  Using a receiver
• What does the receiver do with the detected radio wave?

  Generates another alternating current
• What is the relationship between the frequencies of the generated and detected waves?

  They are exactly the same
• How can the number 800 be communicated using radio waves?

  By generating a wave of 800 hertz
• What are the main uses of radio waves?

  • Communication
  • Transferring information
  • Broadcasting signals
• What are the three types of radio waves?

  • Long wave
  • Short wave
  • Very short wave
• What is a key feature of long wave radio waves?

  They can be transmitted huge distances
• How do long wave radio waves travel?

  They diffract around the Earth's surface
• How do short wave radio signals travel long distances?

  They are reflected from the ionosphere
• What is one use of short wave radio signals?

  Sending data over short distances like Bluetooth
• What is the main use of very short radio waves?

  For TV and FM radio
• Why might you not get a great radio signal in a car?

  Surrounding structures can block the signal
• What are the characteristics of long wave, short wave, and very short wave radio waves?

  • Long wave: Transmitted huge distances, diffracts around Earth
  • Short wave: Reflected from ionosphere, can send data short distances
  • Very short wave: Used for TV and FM radio, requires direct transmission