- #1
linux kid
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If 10,000,000 radios are all tuned into a small local radio station, wouldn't the radio station crash, or what would happen?
Could 10 million radios tuned to one station cause a crash or signal collapse?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter linux kid
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of 10 million radios tuned to a small local radio station and the potential effects on the station's operation. Participants explore concepts related to radio transmission, signal reception, and the implications of a large number of receivers in proximity to the transmitter.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that the number of radios tuned to a station does not affect the transmitter's operation, as it broadcasts at a specific wattage regardless of how many receivers are present.
- Others question the distance of the radios from the transmitter, suggesting that proximity could influence the situation.
- One participant proposes that if the radios are very close, there might be some effect, although this is not clearly defined.
- Another participant mentions that the only way a large number of radios could impact the system is if they overload the power grid.
- A comparison is drawn between the radios and people observing a candle, questioning the feasibility of gathering 10 million people in one place to observe a single candle.
- One participant suggests that while the transmitter remains unaffected, the arrangement of receiving radios could block others from receiving the signal, similar to how bodies could block the view of a candle.
- A later reply introduces the idea that if a transmission tower is surrounded by materials that absorb radio waves, the signal could collapse, although the terminology used to describe this phenomenon is questioned.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of a large number of radios on the transmitter and the nature of signal reception.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the physical arrangement of radios and the nature of radio wave absorption are not fully explored, leaving the discussion open to interpretation.
- #2
Danger
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Nothing would happen. It makes no difference to the transmitter if there are no radios at all or a couple of billion. It sends out the signal at a specific wattage (usually about 50,000), and any set within range can tune it in. There's no feedback to tell the transmitter how many sets it's 'talking to'.
- #3
MeJennifer
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Well how far apart and away from the transmitter are those 10,000,000 radios?linux kid said:
- #4
linux kid
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Close enough to receive the signal.MeJennifer said:
- #5
MeJennifer
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Well that was not the point of my question. If 10,000,000 radios get really close we may see some effect.linux kid said:
- #6
Danger
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Only if they're all plugged in and overload the power grid.
- #7
vanesch
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Let me rephrase the original question in another way:
If 10.000.000 people are watching a small candle on a birthday cake, would the candle go out ?
If 10.000.000 people are watching a small candle on a birthday cake, would the candle go out ?
- #8
Integral
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Spurious question, how would you get 10,000,000 people in a room to look at a candle?
- #9
vanesch
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Integral said:
You'd need a big room
- #10
GOD__AM
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The radio transmitter would be uneffected no matter how many people tuned into the broadcats. The arrangement of the receiving radios could block other radios, who were close enough to receive the signal, from receiving the signal though. Just as the 10,000 heads/bodies vieweing a candle could block other people from viewing the same candle.
There are only so many photons/radio waves emmited, and if they are absorbed by any source that would mean that those photons don't have the chance to be observed/registerd by another observer.
Consider that the transmission tower is errected inside very thick concrete walls (or another substance that does not allow any radio waves to escape ) surrounding all sides. All of these radio waves would be getting absorbed in the same way a radio antenna absorbs the signals.The tower would continue to send signals even though no one outside the walls could receive them and all possible photons are absorbed.
Sorry if I'm using the term absorbed improperly, what I mean is that the signal collapses (if that's a better way to describe it?)
There are only so many photons/radio waves emmited, and if they are absorbed by any source that would mean that those photons don't have the chance to be observed/registerd by another observer.
Consider that the transmission tower is errected inside very thick concrete walls (or another substance that does not allow any radio waves to escape ) surrounding all sides. All of these radio waves would be getting absorbed in the same way a radio antenna absorbs the signals.The tower would continue to send signals even though no one outside the walls could receive them and all possible photons are absorbed.
Sorry if I'm using the term absorbed improperly, what I mean is that the signal collapses (if that's a better way to describe it?)
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