Why Choose High Frequency Radio Waves for Long-Distance Communication?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the advantages of high frequency radio waves compared to lower frequency radio waves, particularly in the context of long-distance communication. Participants explore various aspects including antenna size, bandwidth, and signal propagation characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that high frequency radio waves allow for smaller antennas and higher bandwidth compared to lower frequency waves.
  • Others argue that while higher frequencies have advantages, they are also more easily damped, which could affect their effectiveness over long distances.
  • A participant notes the distinction between lower frequency and very low frequency radio waves, providing examples from AM broadcasts and long wave broadcasts.
  • One participant draws a comparison between high frequency radio waves and light frequencies, suggesting a conceptual link between them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the advantages of high frequency radio waves regarding antenna size and bandwidth, but there is a recognition of the challenges posed by signal damping at higher frequencies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall implications of these factors for long-distance communication.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific frequency ranges and their applications, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the impact of damping on communication effectiveness and the broader implications of frequency choice.

luitzen
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
What is the advantage of high frequency radio waves over low frequency radio waves? E.g. Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz over FM radio ~100 MHz.
 
Science news on Phys.org
Well, for one thing, the antenna doesn't have to be quite as large.

And 100 MHz is lower frequency, not low frequency. AM broadcasts between 540 and 1610 kHz in the US and there are long wave broadcasts of 153-279 kHz in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
 
Higher frequency signals are easier to radiate, require smaller antennas to transmit and receive, and can support higher bandwidths than lower frequency signals.

See the following article for a little bit of info on the very low frequency radio waves used to communicate with submarines: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_with_submarines
 
The higher bandwidth and smaller antenna make sense and is something I already should've known.

Of course higher frequencies are damped more easily. I was thinking that orange light essentially is Wi-Fi at a 200k times larger frequency.
 

Similar threads

High School Radio waves -- Tissue Refractive Index
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Graduate Does Planck's relation apply to radio waves?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Can the Doppler Effect Cause Changes in Radio Wave Frequency?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Could fast radio bursts be alien radar signals?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Undergrad Best frequency of radio light to penetrate 1 meter of sea water?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
High School Question about electromagnetic waves -- Penetration vs. Frequency
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Hi,I want to ask how can i refract or reflect radio wave
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Why do phone chargers cause radio interference?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Graduate Maximum Information transferrable in Radio Waves
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Why light does not travel in wires?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K