?Radio Waves vs Visible Light: Is it Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the propagation and penetration of radio waves compared to visible light, exploring the complexities of electromagnetic wave behavior in various media. Participants examine the conditions under which different wavelengths interact with materials and the implications of these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that radio waves propagate through air or penetrate materials more than visible light, questioning the correctness of this statement.
  • One participant claims that longer wavelengths always penetrate deeper than shorter wavelengths, while another counters that this is not universally true, citing X-rays as an example of shorter wavelengths penetrating deeper than visible light.
  • A participant emphasizes the complexity of electromagnetic propagation, particularly in media with varying properties, suggesting that there are no simple rules to apply.
  • Another participant notes that the ionosphere effectively blocks long radio waves, indicating that the interaction of specific wavelengths with materials requires a nuanced understanding of light and matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between wavelength and penetration depth, with no consensus reached on the initial question regarding the propagation of radio waves versus visible light.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding electromagnetic wave behavior, including the dependence on specific material properties and the complexity of interactions across different media.

kur82
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radio waves propagate through air or penetrate material more than visible light. is it correct? why
 
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Longer wave lengths always penetrate deeper than shorter wavelengths.

OTOH, they also carry less energy.
 
UltrafastPED said:
Longer wave lengths always penetrate deeper than shorter wavelengths.
That is not always true. X-rays penetrate deeper through matter than visible light, yet are of a shorter wavelength.
 
kur82 said:
radio waves propagate through air or penetrate material more than visible light. is it correct? why

Electromagnetic propagation is a complex subject, especially when talking about a medium with multiple layers of differing properties such as the atmosphere. There are few simple rules.

It doesn't answer your question exactly, but if you'd like some info regarding radio wave transmission check out module 10, chapters 1 & 2 here: http://www.navymars.org/national/training/nmo_courses/NMO1/NMO1.htm
 
kur82 said:
radio waves propagate through air or penetrate material more than visible light. is it correct? why

There is no simple explanation and in fact is note entirely true. The ionosphere blocks long radio waves effectively. To understand how some particular wavelength interacts with some particular material requires a deep understanding of the nature of light, matter, and their interactions. You might as well have asked the simpler question "Why is glass transparent" and you've gotten pretty much the same answer.
 

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