Why does the low frequency radiation or wave can not travel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the propagation of low-frequency radiation or waves, particularly why they may not travel long distances. Participants explore various factors influencing this phenomenon, including the medium of travel and the energy associated with the radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that in a vacuum, frequency does not affect travel distance, but the situation becomes more complex in different materials.
  • Others question the assertion that low-frequency waves cannot travel long distances, indicating that it depends on the medium and frequency range.
  • One participant notes that higher power radiation, such as from radio or TV stations, can transmit over greater distances, implying that energy levels play a significant role.
  • It is mentioned that while radiation in a vacuum can theoretically travel indefinitely, it may become too weak to detect over long distances.
  • A participant provides an example of low-frequency microwaves being effective in ocean communication, specifically in the ELF frequency range, which can penetrate water and reach submarines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between frequency, medium, and travel distance, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the behavior of electromagnetic radiation is influenced by various factors, including the medium through which it travels and the energy per quantum it carries. Specific examples, such as the interaction of ultraviolet light with glass, illustrate the complexity of the topic.

amaresh92
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greetings,
why does the low frequency radiation or wave can not travel for longer distance?
advanced thanks.
 
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amaresh92 said:
greetings,
why does the low frequency radiation or wave can not travel for longer distance?
advanced thanks.
In a vacuum, the frequency makes no difference. Through materials it is more complicated.
 


mathman said:
In a vacuum, the frequency makes no difference. Through materials it is more complicated.
but why is it so?
 


amaresh92 said:
greetings,
why does the low frequency radiation or wave can not travel for longer distance?
advanced thanks.
This is not true in general. What exactly do you have in mind (regarding this question)?
It depends on the medium and frequency range.
Just one example: ultraviolet has higher frequency than red light an it travels less through ordinary glass.
 


The energy, or power, of radiation is a major determinent of the useful range of radiation...like a radio or TV station...higher power stations can transmit and be detected at greater distances...

Once emitted, radiation in a vacuum travels forever,,.,but may be too weak to detect...in materials atoms absorb radiation energy so a wave loses power more quickly...

The behavior of EM radiation depends on its wavelength. When EM radiation interacts with single atoms and molecules, its behavior also depends on the amount of energy per quantum (photon) it carries.

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


It turns out low freqency microwaves work well in the oceans:

Electromagnetic waves in the ELF frequency range (3–30 Hz) (see also SLF) can travel through the oceans and reach submarines anywhere.

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

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