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How
the
waves fit
into the
spectrum
Radio
waves
Microwaves
Infra-red
Visible
light
Ultra-
violet
X-rays
Gamma
rays
Quick Quiz
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Radio waves
are made by various types of transmitter,
depending on the wavelength. They are also given off by stars,
sparks and lightning, which is why you hear interference on your
radio in a thunderstorm.
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Radio waves
are the lowest frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum, and
are used mainly for communications.
Radio waves
are divided into:-
Long
Wave, around 1~2 km in wavelength. The radio station "Atlantic
252" broadcasts here.
Medium
Wave, around 100m in wavelength, used by BBC Radio 5 and other
"AM" stations. |
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VHF,
which stands for "Very High Frequency" and has wavelengths
of around 2m. This is where you find stereo "FM" radio
stations, such as "Galaxy 101" and "GWR FM".
Further up the VHF band are civilian aircraft and taxis.
UHF
stands for "Ultra High Frequency", and has wavelengths
of less than a metre. It's used for Police radio communications,
television transmissions and military aircraft radios - although
military communications are now mostly digital and encrypted. |
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Large
doses of
radio waves are believed to cause cancer,
leukaemia and other disorders. Some people claim that the very
low frequency field from overhead power cables near their homes
has affected their health.
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