Space probe transmiting a pic to Eart

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transmission of images from space probes to Earth, focusing on the nature of radio waves used in communication, the directionality of the transmission, and the behavior of photons in relation to wave and particle properties. It touches on concepts from physics related to waves, communication technology, and the fundamental nature of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether space probes use radio waves for transmitting images and questions the necessity of directing the transmission towards Earth.
  • Another participant confirms that NASA uses radio waves for communication with probes and notes that the transmitted signal must be directed into a tight cone due to power limitations.
  • A participant questions whether photons move in a wave-like manner or in a straight line, expressing confusion about the nature of waves.
  • One reply asserts that a single photon travels in a straight line in free space, although this is noted as an ideal scenario that may differ in reality.
  • Another participant states that photons exhibit both wave and particle characteristics.
  • A different perspective describes a photon as a wave packet, linking its frequency to the waves within the packet.
  • One participant raises a question about the implications of photons moving in a straight line at the speed of light, suggesting that if they moved in a wave-like manner, it would imply a longer path and slower speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the nature of photon movement and the characteristics of wave transmission, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist without a consensus on these topics.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the exact dimensions of the radio wave transmission cone and the implications of photon behavior in different contexts. The discussion also reflects a mix of idealized and practical considerations in physics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring concepts in wave physics, communication technology in space exploration, and the dual nature of light as both a wave and a particle.

bozo the clown
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Im a novice on waves what I want to know is for instance a space probe transmiting a pic to Earth does it use radio waves ? And does it have to transmit in direction of Earth or could we receive pics on another plant and what size area do these waves occupy i.e when they hit Earth does it equate to A tidal wave covering an island ( island being the Earth )
 
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Yes, NASA communicates with probes via radio waves. The size and shape of the transmitted beam is determined by the transmitting antenna. The space probe needs to transmit its signal into a pretty tight cone because it does not have power to waste. I am not sure of the exact dimensions of the transmitted cone when it reaches earth, but am willing to bet that it is bigger then the earth, so anybody on the side of Earth facing the probe can receive the signal if they have the correct equipment.
 
Another question regarding waves do photons move in a wave like manner rather than a straight course. If not what causes the wave.
tx id look this stuff up but I am pushed for time and the few sites i did go to did not give me answers.
 
A single photon moving through an unimpeded, uninfluenced free space will continue in its specific linear direction forever. One heck of a serious straight line!
That's the ideal.
The reality is somewhat different, though in short distances it works well.
 
I like to think of a photon as a wave packet. The characteristic frequency of the photon is the frequency of the waves in the package.
 
A photon has to move as the crow flies right ? In order to go from A to B at c
if it moved in a wave like manner it would have to travel further thus it would go from A to B slower than c. So what is the wave ?
 

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