What are radio waves?
Radio, like optical light, is a band of wavelengths in the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The Electromagnetic Spectrum characterizes all light by its wavelength or frequency. Objects in the universe radiate electromagnetic waves in all the bands of the Electromagnetic Spectrum, not just optical light. Hence we have radio, IR, optical, UV, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes in order to study the universe in all of its emissions.
Radio waves are an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation that varies in wavelength from around a millimeter to 100,000 km, making it one of the widest ranges in the electromagnetic spectrum. “Radio” is a catch-all term describing all forms of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than a millimeter and a frequency above 300 GHz. Frequency refers to how long the measured time is between the “crest” and “trough” of a wave arriving at the source. For visible light, the frequency is in the 450-750 terahertz range, meaning in a single second of waves, 450-750 crests and troughs pass through a detector. Radio is most famously utilized to send audio, images, and text in the form of signals. Guglielmo Marconi and Nikola Tesla are both credited with being early pioneers in the area of radio. Radio’s long wavelength allows it to circumvent obstacles and travel long distances, unlike visible light and other spectra of higher frequencies.
Radio waves (or radio frequency – RF) are an invisible yet essential part of our modern life. Radio waves were discovered more than 100 years ago and we often take today’s technology for granted. Scientists have been studying the health effects of radio waves for more than 50 years. Radio waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum which also includes light and heat and is used by all electrical equipment including television and radio stations as well as mobile phones. Radio waves are not radioactive. RF is a form of non-ionising radiation. It is not the same as radiation associated with X-rays or gamma-rays and its biological effect on humans is quite different. The energy emitted is insufficient to disrupt molecules in the body. At high powers, RF can cause heating – exposure guidelines protect against heating and all other known health effects. We always aim to inform our customers accurately on RF exposure and comply with international exposure limits.
Electric and magnetic fields are fundamental forces in nature. Together they create invisible electromagnetic waves which pass through the environment – like ripples on the surface of water. Eletromagnetic waves have different properties and uses, depending on their wavelength. Radio waves occur within a specific range of wavelengths, and are useful for transmitting sound and digital signals. • Electricity and radio waves can be used to power man-made devices • We see different frequencies of visible light waves as different colors • X-rays can show inside some solid objects Lower frequency waves such as microwaves cannot change the structure of biological material, but can have a heating effect. This is called non-ionizing radiation. Higher frequency waves like x-rays can change the structure of biological material. This is called ionizing radiation. Radio devices emit non-ionizing radiation. Find out more about other sources of electromagnetic waves.
