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redgoat
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Why can't the electromagnetics waves travel through water?
How Do Submarines Receive Electromagnetic Signals Underwater?
- Thread starter redgoat
- Start date
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- Electromagnetics Water
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the challenges and mechanisms of submarines receiving electromagnetic signals underwater, focusing on the properties of electromagnetic waves in water, particularly radio frequencies and their attenuation, as well as the technical requirements for antennas used in such communications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question why electromagnetic waves cannot travel through water, while others point out that light, as an electromagnetic wave, can be seen under water, suggesting that some frequencies do penetrate.
- There is a discussion about the attenuation of RF electromagnetic waves in the ocean, with a claim that lower frequencies, such as ELF (extremely low frequencies), experience less attenuation and can be used for underwater communication.
- One participant expresses skepticism about the practicality of receiving signals at very low frequencies, noting that the required antenna dimensions would be impractically large for submarines.
- Another participant suggests that a resonant circuit can function as an antenna, indicating that it does not necessarily need to be the full size of the wavelength to receive signals.
- Buoyant Cable Antennas (BCA) are mentioned as a solution used in submarine communications, with a suggestion to search for more information on their design and application.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of receiving electromagnetic signals underwater, particularly regarding the size and design of antennas needed for low-frequency communication. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the topic.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the propagation of electromagnetic waves in water, the specific frequencies discussed, and the practical implementation of antenna technology in submarines.