Electromagnetic Waves - Functionality, Types and Uses

Abstract

Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than infrared radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. It consists of electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths, often at frequency of 300 gigahertz (GHz) or less. The corresponding wavelength at 300 GHz is 1 mm (shorter than a grain of rice), while the analogous wavelength at 30 Hz is 10,000 km (longer than the radius of the Earth). Radio waves, like other electromagnetic waves, travel at the speed of light in a vacuum and at a somewhat slower speed in the Earth's atmosphere. Charged particles undergoing acceleration, such as time-varying electric currents, produce radio waves. Lightning and celestial objects release naturally occurring radio waves, which are part of the blackbody radiation.

Keywords: Radio waves, signal, navigation