Caption

 
Diffraction of microwaves and radio waves. Illustration showing a communications mast and radio
transmitter transmitting microwave signals (shorter wavelength) and radio waves (longer
wavelength). Microwaves are used in communications such as mobile phone systems. Radio waves
are used for radio and TV signals. A large hill presents an obstacle between the transmitter and the
house receiving the signals. The longer wavelength radio waves spread out more as a result of
diffraction by the hill, and radio reception at the house is good. The shorter wavelength microwaves
are diffracted less, so mobile phone reception is poor, the signal being obstructed by the hill.