Radio vs. Light propagation phenomena

Light and radio waves are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, differing in their wavelengths and frequencies. Light waves, which have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies, are visible to the human eye and allow us to perceive color. They can be emitted by sources like the sun and artificial light bulbs. In contrast, radio waves have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies, making them ideal for long-distance communication.

Figure 1.2: Radio Wave Propagation Phenomena Radio waves can travel in different ways between a transmitter and a receiver.

Figure 1.3: Light Wave Propagation Phenomena Is quite similar to Radio Wave Propagation. The key difference is that light waves are more easily affected by obstacles and atmospheric conditions due to their shorter wavelength.

1. Free space is the ideal scenario where the radio waves travel directly from the transmitter to the receiver without any obstacles. We often refer to this as line of sight (LOS) propagation.

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2. Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves bend around obstacles, allowing them to reach areas that would otherwise be shadowed. This is particularly important in urban environments where buildings can obstruct the direct path between the transmitter and receiver.

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3. Scattering occurs when radio waves encounter objects or irregularities in the propagation medium (such as trees or buildings), causing them to be scattered in different directions. This can lead to signal fading and fluctuations in signal strength.

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4. Reflection is the process where waves bounce off surfaces, such as buildings or the ground. Reflected waves can reach the receiver via indirect paths, leading to multipath propagation and potential signal interference.

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5. Refraction: Skywaves refract i.e. bend by the ionosphere due to changes in free electron density, enabling long-distance communication beyond the horizon.

External references to properties of electroamagnetic waves:

1. Absorption: The conversion of radio wave energy into heat and electromagnetic noise through interactions with matter.
2. Amplitude
3. Attenuation: The weakening of a signal as it travels over a distance.
4. Diffraction: The bending of waves around obstacles.
5. Fading / Shadowing: Variations in signal strength caused by obstacles and distance.
6. Electromagnetic field
7. Electromagnetic radiation
8. Field intensity | Field strength | Signal strength in telecommunications
9. Frequency
10. Interference
11. Path Attenuation—Path Loss
12. Polarization: The orientation of the electric field of the wave.
13. Power Density: The power transmitted per unit area.
14. Radio Propagation
15. Ray (optics): The direction of wave propagation.
16. Reflection of EM waves: The bouncing of waves off a surface.
17. Refraction: The bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another.
18. Scattering: The spreading out of waves in different directions.
19. Spectrum: The range of frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic waves.
20. Standing wave
21. Wave interference | Electromagnetic interference | Interference (communication)
22. Wave Behaviors ^{NASA Science}
23. Wavefront: A surface of constant phase of the wave.
24. Wavelength