Understanding Radio Waves and Microwaves

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the properties and functions of radio waves and microwaves as discussed in the lecture notes.

Radio Waves

The lowest-energy, lowest-frequency, and longest-wavelength electromagnetic waves, produced by alternating current.

Ionosphere

A layer of charged particles in the upper atmosphere that reflects medium wavelength radio waves for long distance communication.

Digital Radio

Radio that uses digital signals for better-quality reception, minimizing noise and interference.

Microwaves

High-frequency and high-energy radio waves that are sometimes considered very short radio waves.

Reflection

The bouncing back of waves when hitting metal surfaces; a property of microwaves.

Heating Effect of Microwaves

Microwaves heat materials by causing atoms or molecules to vibrate, depending on radiation intensity and exposure time.

Absorption by Water Molecules

Microwaves are absorbed by water molecules, with absorption depending on the frequency of the microwaves.

Wave Effects

Phenomena such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference that affect transmission.