Communications

• Types of radio wave transmission:

  • Long waves (LW)
  • Sky waves (AM)
  • Space waves (FM)
  • Microwaves (Space waves)
• What are long waves?

  Waves that follow the curvature of the earth. 100m or greater wavelength.
• What are sky waves?

  Waves that are reflected back to the earth's surface by a layer in the atmosphere called the ionosphere. They are 1m to 100m in wavelength.
• What are space waves?

  Short wavelength radio waves that can pass through the ionosphere and out into space. 1m or less wavelength.
• What are microwaves?

  Waves that can pass through the ionosphere and out into space.
• Mobile phones are small microwave emitters and receivers.
• How does mobile phone communication work?

  A phone connects to mast (electricity tower) using microwaves. Mast connects to phone network. Network connects to the internet, landline or another mobile.