Applications of Radio Waves and Microwaves in Wireless Communication

Radio Waves- Radio waves have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. They
are produced by making electrons vibrate in an antenna.
(AF) signals- sound is converted by a microphone into patterns of electric current variations.
(RF)- High frequency radio waves called radio-frequency carriers can be modulated to match the
electronic signal.
(AM)- The amplitude of the radio waves (RF carrier) changes to match that of the audio-frequency
(AF) signal.
(FM)- Very high frequency waves provide a higher quality broadcasting including stereo sound. In
this process, instead of the amplitude of the RF carrier, it is the frequency of the waves that
changes to match that of the signal. This is called frequency modulation.
Microwaves
 Satellite Communication -The high frequency waves penetrate into the ionosphere and to
the space. Therefore, communication satellites are used to reflect these waves back to
earth which are then captured by the receiving antennas.

 RADAR- Microwaves have short wavelengths and are reflected by small objects. This
property is used in radars. RADAR is an acronym of Radio Detection and Ranging.

Terrestrial Communication- Microwaves are used to transmit television news coverage

from mobile broadcast vehicles back to the station.
A cell phone is a radio transmitter and receiver that uses microwaves. Cell phone is a very
sophisticated radio, but still a radio nonetheless.

Applications of Infrared, Visible Light and UV lights

Infrared (Invisible Heat)

The following are some useful applications of Infrared radiation:

1. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide useful details of
the vegetation on the Earth’s surface.
2. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the body. This can
be used for medical diagnosis.
3. Infrared remote controls
4. Infrared camera has transmitter that sends out infrared pulses.
5. A night-vision google.
Applications of Visible Light
Production of light
Incandescent Light is form of light produced by heat. Ordinary light bulbs in your home are
incandescent.
Fluorescent Light is cooler and uses much less energy than incandescent light. Instead of being
used up to build up heat, electrons in fluorescent lights are used to bombard molecules of gas kept
at low pressure in a tube.
Neon Light can be seen in thin glass tubes of brightly colored lights. It is similar to fluorescent light
in that it is cool light.
Application of Ultraviolet Radiation (Heat Energy)

UV lamps
Applications of X-Ray and Gamma Rays
Radiation (MONITORS)
X-rays (Penetrating Radiation)
Gamma rays (Nuclear Energy)