5G and future 6G terahertz absorbed by water vapour = heating?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential impact of terahertz (THz) waves, particularly in the context of 5G and future 6G technologies, on atmospheric heating due to absorption by water vapor. Participants explore the implications of THz radiation on climate and energy use, touching on theoretical, practical, and environmental aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that THz waves are absorbed by water vapor, which could contribute to atmospheric warming, but the extent of this warming is considered minimal compared to CO2 emissions.
  • One participant argues that all energy used by cell phones contributes to atmospheric heating, regardless of the generation of technology (5G, 6G, etc.), and emphasizes that human energy production significantly impacts atmospheric temperatures.
  • Another participant suggests that much of the radiation from mobile phones escapes into space, as atmospheric absorption is low at frequencies below 20GHz, and that THz absorption may actually help limit base station coverage.
  • A later reply criticizes the lack of reliable references in the discussion and calls for hard data and calculations to support claims made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of THz wave absorption and its contribution to atmospheric heating. While some acknowledge a minimal impact, others emphasize the broader context of energy use and its effects on climate. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some claims lack supporting data, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the magnitude of THz wave absorption and its comparative effects on atmospheric heating versus other factors like CO2 emissions.

ideatank17
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TL;DR
Will 5G and future 6G cause further atmospheric heating since the terahertz bandwidth is absorbable by water vapour, but does absorb equate to transfer electromagentic microwave inrfrared fequencies and heat it?
I just found this piece in an article:
Terahertz waves (THz), which are submillimeter waves sitting between microwave and infrared light on the electromagnetic spectrum, have been used to achieve data rates greater than 100 Gbps. Unfortunately, THz waves share an Achilles’ Heel with the millimeter waves used in 5G. Water vapor in Earth’s atmosphere is a strong absorber of terahertz radiation, limiting the range of THz applications.
From this source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/satellites/a34739258/china-launches-first-6g-satellite/
Ive never been a fan of popular mechanics but that's my personal view. That aside, is this not a threat to warming atmospheres since we are already seeing ever increasing temperatures. Just curious, i could be way off. I only have a BSc in Physics, mainly theoretical and am now doing an MSc in sustainability. So the crossover here is intriguing to me. Any input appreciated. Thanks
 
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The THz wave energy absorption does warm the atmosphere, but the magnitude of that warming is infinitesimal compared with the warming due to CO2 emissions and the greenhouse effect.
 
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All the energy use by cell phones already ends up heating the atmosphere. This is independent of how many G's we are talking about - 5,6,10.

Indeed, all the energy produced by humans ends up heating the atmosphere. That's 6 x 1020 joules, or about 120 J per kg of atmosphere per year. Solar heating of the atmosphere is many millions of times larger.
 
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ideatank17 said:
That aside, is this not a threat to warming atmospheres since we are already seeing ever increasing temperatures.
It's not the 6G that'll get you, it's the power plant powering it.

Sorry, but the rest of this is going to sting a bit:
I only have a BSc in Physics...
Frankly, that's pretty disappointing.
...mainly theoretical and am now doing an MSc in sustainability.
That's really disappointing.

You really need to put some thought/effort into incorporating into your entire worldview, what the concept of conservation of energy means. Someone with your education level should be able to apply it better.
 
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Thank you for your replies guys, all very informative
 
I think that, for an ordinary mobile phone, much of the radiation will make it into space, as atmospheric absorption is low up to 20GHz or so (depending on rainfall). The atmospheric absorption at THz frequencies is no doubt useful as it limits the coverage of base stations and allows the frequencies to be re-used at closer distances.
 
This thread has not one reliable reference, not one. All claims are just wild speculations. Moreover, the question has been sufficiently answered by
Vanadium 50 said:
Indeed, all the energy produced by humans ends up heating the atmosphere.
and
russ_watters said:
It's not the 6G that'll get you, it's the power plant powering it.

Everything else needs hard data first, and some likely easy calculations next.

This thread is closed.