What is the necessary Q for good AM reception?

AI Thread Summary
AM radio receivers require a high quality factor (Q) to achieve sharp resonance and minimize interference between closely spaced frequencies. The relationship between Q, frequency, and frequency separation is crucial, as a higher Q indicates a narrower bandwidth, allowing better reception of desired signals. For effective AM reception, the Q factor must be sufficient to prevent overlapping signals from different stations, which typically operate with a 10 kHz separation. While specific Q values for good reception are not universally defined, they can be estimated based on the required frequency difference. Understanding these principles is essential for optimizing AM radio performance.
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Homework Statement



AM radio allows a speration of 10kHz between frequencies of different radio stations. Why do AM radio receivers need a large Q? Estimate the Q required for good AM reception.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm really not sure where to begin! :confused:
 
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It's not in my textbook but I found out that AM radio receivers need a large q-factor to have a sharper resonance. However I can't find Q required for good AM reception. Any suggestions?
 
A electronic oscillator produces em waves at a certain frequency. But the waves are not confined to a particular frequency, instead they spread over a range of frequencies. The most intense radiation (largest power output) is at its resonance frequency. The Q factor quantifies this spread in frequencies. If the stations are too close together the signals from the various transmitters will interfere with the reception.
 
Thanks for that more thorough explanation. Still don't know what a good Q is for radio reception though -_-"
 
The signals from one station should not overlap with the signal from another station. So you use the given frequency difference between stations to check what the minimum Q factor should be at the mid AM frequency transmissions.
 
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