Electromagnetic waves are essential to modern communication systems, as they carry information wirelessly over short and long distances. Here’s how they are used:
1. Transmission of Signals
- Electromagnetic waves carry audio, video, and data signals.
- Information is encoded (modulated) onto carrier waves using techniques like AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation).
2. Different Frequency Bands for Specific Uses
- Radio waves: Used for AM/FM radio, television broadcasting, and walkie-talkies.
- Microwaves: Used in mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite communication, and radar.
- Infrared waves: Used in remote controls and short-range communication.
- Visible light: Used in fiber-optic communication systems.
- Higher frequencies (X-rays, gamma rays): Not typically used for communication due to health risks and penetration properties.
3. Wireless Communication Devices
- Devices like mobile phones, radios, TVs, and satellites use electromagnetic waves to send and receive information.
- Antennas transmit and receive the waves, converting electrical signals to electromagnetic waves and vice versa.
4. Satellites and Long-Distance Communication
- Satellites relay microwave signals over vast distances, enabling international calls, GPS, and live broadcasts.