P5 - RADIOWAVES

Radio waves are produced by high-frequency alternating currents and induce similar currents when they are received

• In the transmitting antenna:

  • The charge from the alternating current oscillates up and down the antenna

  • This produces radio waves that can be absorbed by a similar aerial some distance away

• In a receiving aerial:

  • The metal aerial absorbs the radio waves

  • This creates an alternating current with the same frequency as the transmitted wave, which can then be amplified and converted into sound or other signals for further processing.