How Do Radio Waves Cause Electron Movement in Antennas?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on how radio waves induce electron movement in antennas, specifically through the interaction of oscillating electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields. Participants confirm that the electric field primarily causes electrons to move, generating oscillating currents in the antenna. The confusion regarding the perpendicular nature of E and B fields is clarified; while they are perpendicular, they do not cancel each other out in the context of electron movement. The voltage induced in a conductor is directly proportional to the length of the conductor and the incoming E-field strength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves
  • Knowledge of antenna theory and operation
  • Familiarity with electric and magnetic field interactions
  • Basic principles of induced voltage in conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Study the mathematical models of antenna theory
  • Explore the relationship between electric fields and induced currents in conductors
  • Learn about the effects of frequency on antenna performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, radio frequency (RF) engineers, students studying electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of antenna design and operation.

FilipLand
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Hi!

What exactly makes electrons in the antenna move to generate an induced current which then can be encoded?

Is it radio waves that hits the antenna and makes the electrons move? If so, why/how? :)

All I get from this link is that "the radio waves makes the electrons wiggling back and forth", but how? http://www.explainthatstuff.com/radio.html
 
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Thank you!
I found the same thing here "during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of an incoming radio wave exert force on the electrons in the antenna elements, causing them to move back and forth, creating oscillating currents in the antenna."

A radio wave is a electromagnetic wave, does not the force from the magnetic field and the electric field (acting on an electron in the antenna) cancel each other out? Because the B and E-field is perpendicular right?
 
FilipLand said:
Thank you!
I found the same thing here "during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of an incoming radio wave exert force on the electrons in the antenna elements, causing them to move back and forth, creating oscillating currents in the antenna."

A radio wave is a electromagnetic wave, does not the force from the magnetic field and the electric field (acting on an electron in the antenna) cancel each other out? Because the B and E-field is perpendicular right?
FilipLand said:
Thank you!
I found the same thing here "during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of an incoming radio wave exert force on the electrons in the antenna elements, causing them to move back and forth, creating oscillating currents in the antenna."

A radio wave is a electromagnetic wave, does not the force from the magnetic field and the electric field (acting on an electron in the antenna) cancel each other out? Because the B and E-field is perpendicular right?
My view is that it is the electric field which causes the electrons to move and stationery electrons are not moved by a magnetic field.
The voltage induced on a short conductor can be found by multiplying its length by the incoming E-field.
.
 
FilipLand said:
A radio wave is a electromagnetic wave, does not the force from the magnetic field and the electric field (acting on an electron in the antenna) cancel each other out? Because the B and E-field is perpendicular right?

The E and B fields are perpendicular to each other, but that doesn't cancel out the force on the electrons.

tech99 said:
My view is that it is the electric field which causes the electrons to move and stationery electrons are not moved by a magnetic field.
The voltage induced on a short conductor can be found by multiplying its length by the incoming E-field.

Perhaps, but the electrons are not stationary in an antenna receiving a signal. The electric and magnetic fields aren't static either, so you really have a complicated situation.
 
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