What is the difference between plane wave & modulated continuous wave?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between plane waves and modulated continuous waves, exploring their characteristics and potential comparisons. Participants express confusion regarding how these two concepts relate to each other in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the two concepts are fairly different and seek clarification on their relationship.
  • One participant suggests that a modulated continuous wave could be represented as a time-varying series of plane waves.
  • Another participant describes a plane wave as an electromagnetic wave propagating after traveling a moderate distance from its source.
  • Modulated continuous waves are characterized as carrying some form of modulation, such as AM or FM, and can exist in various transmission contexts, including wired lines and radio transmissions.
  • Participants are encouraged to review external resources for further understanding and to pose specific questions if needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the two concepts are distinct, but multiple competing views on their relationship remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific contexts in which plane waves and modulated continuous waves are compared, as well as the assumptions underlying their definitions and characteristics.

faryafada
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What is the relation between these two concepts?
 
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faryafada said:
What is the relation between these two concepts?

Can you tell us what you know so far? The two concepts are fairly different...
 
berkeman said:
Can you tell us what you know so far? The two concepts are fairly different...

I have initial information about both waves and their characteristics but I am confused to find a relation between the two when it comes to make a comparison.
 
It is not obvious in what context you are asking the question. I think a modulated continuous wave could be radiated as a time varying series of plane waves, kinda.
 
faryafada said:
I have initial information about both waves and their characteristics but I am confused to find a relation between the two when it comes to make a comparison.

A plane wave is an EM wave that is propagating after traveling a moderate distance (a few wavelengths) from its source (like an antenna or other EM radiation source):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plane_wave

Your term "modulated continuous waves" would just seem to imply that the EM waveform carries some form of modulation on it, whether it's AM or FM or some other modulation scheme:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modulation

Modulated continuous waves could be carried on wired transmission lines, which would not qualify as "plane waves". Or the modulated continuous waves could be FM radio transmissions that you receive in your car as you drive around the city, and those are indeed plane waves carrying the sound information.

Please read those two web pages in detail, to see if they help to answer your question. If you still have specific questions after reading those pages, please post them here in this thread.
 
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