What are the measurements for amplitude and wavelength of a radio wave?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is seeking information about the measurements for amplitude and wavelength of a radio wave in order to create a snapshot and history graph. They express uncertainty about how to accurately represent the wave and whether there are specific guidelines for drawing it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss the nature of radio waves as electromagnetic waves and mention the relationship between frequency and wavelength. Others question the type of radio signal (AM or FM) the original poster intends to depict and suggest looking up related concepts such as signal strength and modulation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the characteristics of radio waves and suggesting resources for further understanding. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of inquiry are being explored regarding the representation of the wave.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that signal strengths can vary significantly and mention typical received field amplitudes. The original poster's uncertainty about the y-axis displacement and units indicates a need for further clarification on measurement standards.

baileya
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Homework Statement


So I have to make a snapshot & history graph of a wave. I chose to do a radio wave. However, I just want to know what the measurements for amplitude and wavelength.

Also, there's no specific way to draw a snapshot of a radio wave is there? I can just draw the wave however, right?

Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


I googled it.. sorry if this seems like a silly question, I'm just having a brain fart.
 
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Err... well, radio waves are electromagnetic waves within a certain frequency range (depending on what you mean by "radio"). They all have a certain kind of shape (cough Sine wave cough) and the frequency/wavelength are related by a simple relationship you should know.

So you can't draw the wave "however" you want- the numbers have to make sense- but as long as the numbers make sense you should be good to go.
 
Would that be an AM or FM signal that you want to draw a 'snapshot' of? How about

Sounds like you need to look up a few things:
radio signal strength
modulation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_radio_emissions#Type_of_modulation")
electric field

Signal strengths (amplitude) vary with distance from the transmitter. Typical received field amplitudes are in the range of microvolts/meter to millivolts/meter.
 
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Although this video is about AM/FM synthesis, the principles are exactly the same as the ones used in AM/FM radio, this should help you visualise what's happening.
 
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I'm just wondering how I would figure out the displacement for the y axis? I'm not sure what I would use and what units it would be?
 

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