Saturday, June 7, 2008

Radio signal


Radio waves are electromagnetic waves occurring on the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. A common use is to transport information through the atmosphere or outer space without wirls. Radio waves are distinguished from other kinds of electromagnetic waves by their wavelength, a relatively long wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Radio waves are usually produced by electric current alternating at radio frequency flowing in a special purpose conductor, called an antenna.
Antenna dimensions must generally be comparable to wavelength to work efficiently. Very long waves are not practical because of the enormous antennas needed to produce them, although they are sometimes produced by lightning. Radio waves are also produced by cosmic phenomena in deep space. Actually, any kind of reciprocating motion of electric charges or magnets can produce radio waves if it is fast enough. Although very impractical, even a person waving a charged stick very fast can produce faint radio waves.

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