Radio waves

• 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 radio wave detected after generation?

  Using a receiver that generates another alternating current
• What does the receiver display on another oscilloscope?

  The frequency of the alternating current it produces
• How does the frequency of the receiver's alternating current relate to the original wave?

  It is exactly the same as the original frequency
• How can we communicate the number 800 using radio waves?

  By generating a wave with a frequency of 800 hertz
• What is the main use of radio waves?

  For communication
• What are the three types of radio waves?

  • Long wave
  • Short wave
  • Very short wave
• How far can long wave radio waves be transmitted?

  Huge distances, like London to Singapore
• Why can long wave radio waves travel such long distances?

  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 application of short wave radio signals?

  Sending data over short distances like Bluetooth
• What are very short radio waves used for?

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

  Surrounding structures can block direct transmission
• What happens to radio waves when they encounter hills and tunnels?

  They can get blocked or weakened
• What is the process of transferring information using radio waves?

  1. Generate a wave with a specific frequency
  2. Use a receiver to detect the wave
  3. The receiver generates an alternating current of the same frequency
  4. Information is interpreted based on frequency