Can AM Radio Waves Pass Through Glass Better Than FM?

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SUMMARY

AM radio waves can pass through glass more effectively than FM radio waves due to their longer wavelength and lower frequency. This difference in behavior is attributed to the way each modulation scheme encodes information, with AM modulating amplitude and FM modulating frequency. An experiment demonstrates this phenomenon: an AM radio maintains a strong signal near a closed window, while an FM radio experiences signal degradation. Thus, the characteristics of AM and FM waves directly influence their ability to penetrate glass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation principles
  • Knowledge of amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM)
  • Familiarity with radio wave frequency ranges
  • Basic experimental design for demonstrating radio wave behavior
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  • Research the properties of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with materials
  • Explore the differences between AM and FM radio transmission techniques
  • Conduct experiments to measure signal strength variations through different materials
  • Learn about radio frequency spectrum allocation and its implications for communication
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Students in physics, radio engineers, hobbyists interested in radio technology, and anyone exploring the practical applications of radio wave propagation.

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can AM radio waves pass through glass been than FM radio waves?

please explain why/how and how this can be shown in an experiment

thx :)
 
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Are we to assume similar frequency range and power output is employed so as to better examine any differences between the modulation schemes themselves, rather than other characteristics such as that of differing wavelengths?
AM is generally employed on lower frequencies while FM is used with higher ones. Lower frequencies tend to reflect more than higher frequencies (X-ray verses radio wave ‘bouncing’ off ionosphere comes to mind).

*Hmmm*
Did not cordless phones first use lower frequencies and AM modulation prior to being replaced with superior models, both in range and clarity, using higher frequencies coupled with FM ?
 


AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) radio waves are both forms of electromagnetic radiation. The main difference between the two is how the information (music, speech, etc.) is encoded onto the wave. AM radio waves are modulated by varying the amplitude (or strength) of the wave, while FM radio waves are modulated by varying the frequency (or number of waves) of the wave.

In terms of passing through glass, both AM and FM radio waves can pass through glass, but they behave differently. Glass is a good conductor of electricity, meaning that it can absorb and reflect electromagnetic waves. However, the extent to which it does this depends on the wavelength (or size) of the wave.

AM radio waves have a longer wavelength compared to FM radio waves. This means that they have a lower frequency and can pass through objects, like glass, more easily. FM radio waves, on the other hand, have a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency, making them more likely to be absorbed or reflected by objects like glass.

This can be demonstrated through a simple experiment. Take a small AM radio and tune it to a station with a strong signal. Place the radio near a window and notice that the signal remains strong, even when the window is closed. This is because the longer wavelength of AM radio waves can easily pass through the glass.

Next, try the same experiment with an FM radio. Tune it to a station with a strong signal and place it near a window. You will likely notice that the signal becomes weaker when the window is closed. This is because the shorter wavelength of FM radio waves is more likely to be absorbed or reflected by the glass, resulting in a weaker signal.

In conclusion, AM radio waves can pass through glass better than FM radio waves due to their longer wavelength. This can be shown through a simple experiment using a radio and a window.
 

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