RADIO WAVES IN THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

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Wavelength and its relation to other wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum

Radio waves have the biggest and longest wavelengths in the Electromagnetic spectrum. These waves can range from as long as one football pitch to as small as a football. All radios today, however, use continuous sine waves to transmit information (audio, video and data). The reason why we use continuous sine waves today is because there are so many different people and devices that wish to use radio waves at the same time.

Interesting facts about radio waves

Radio astronomers use diesel cars as gasoline powered car?s spark plugs can cause interference to radio waves, just like a Hoover interferes with the television reception. If humans could see radio waves, there would literally be thousands of waves around you right now. These vary from radio broadcasts, TV transmissions and other things such as emergency service radios, the list is endless.

Common frequency bands include the following:

AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

Short wave radio - bands from 5.9 megahertz to 26.1 megahertz

Citizens band (CB) radio - 26.96 megahertz to 27.41 megahertz

Television stations - 54 to 88 megahertz for channels 2 through 6

FM radio - 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz

Television stations - 174 to 220 megahertz for channels 7 through 13

There are hundreds of frequencies for example:

Garage door openers, alarm systems, etc. - Around 40 megahertz

Standard cordless phones: Bands from 40 to 50 megahertz

Baby monitors: 49 megahertz

Radio controlled airplanes: Around 72 megahertz, which is different from...

Radio controlled cars: Around 75 megahertz

Wildlife tracking collars: 215 to 220 megahertz

MIR space station: 145 megahertz and 437 megahertz

Cell phones: 824 to 849 megahertz

New 900-MHz cordless phones: Obviously around 900 megahertz!

Air traffic control radar: 960...