How are soundwaves sent via em waves?

[jaydnul]

When the mic hears the noise, it creates an alternating current electrical signal right? So how does that translate to em waves? Is it just that a higher frequency radio wave length would resemble a higher pitch? If so, is it impossible to hear the pitch "produced" by, say, visible light?

 

[dlgoff]

Sound waves in air are longitudinal

and electromagnetic waves are transverse.

 

[Integral]

Read about a Superheterodyne_receiver. BTW this is your everyday radio. It turns RF E&M waves into sound waves. Similar to what you are asking. It is a very similar process in reverse to go the other way.

 

[Fischer777]

It depends on the form of modulation. In amplitude modulation, the EM wave increases and decreases in amplitude, depending on the audio signal. So, when the audio signal reaches a high, the EM wave has a large amplitude. Likewise, when the audio is at its minimum, the amplitude of the wave is small. Frequency modulation works by increasing frequency when the audio signal is at its high, and decreasing frequency when its at its low. Wikipedia has a nice animation of such modulations: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Amfm3-en-de.gif

 

[alphysicist]

I can explain that soundwaves and electromagnetic waves are two different types of waves that travel through different mediums. Soundwaves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air or water, to travel through. They are created by vibrations and can be heard by our ears.

On the other hand, electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that can travel through vacuum, such as in space. They do not require a medium and can travel through air, water, and even solid objects. These waves are created by oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

In the case of sound being transmitted via electromagnetic waves, it is not the sound itself that is being transmitted, but rather the electrical signal that is created by the microphone. When a sound wave reaches the microphone, it causes the diaphragm to vibrate, which in turn creates an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and transmitted through the air as electromagnetic waves.

The frequency of the electromagnetic waves is directly related to the frequency of the sound waves, but they are not interchangeable. A higher frequency electromagnetic wave does not necessarily mean a higher pitch sound, as pitch is determined by the frequency of the sound wave, not the electromagnetic wave.

It is not possible to hear the pitch produced by visible light as our ears are not sensitive to electromagnetic waves of that frequency. However, some animals, such as bats and dolphins, can use echolocation to "hear" electromagnetic waves and navigate their surroundings.

In summary, soundwaves and electromagnetic waves are two different types of waves that are created and transmitted differently. While soundwaves require a medium to travel through and can be heard by our ears, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and are not audible to humans.