Radio waves are electromagnetic waves, that is, they are waves formed by the simultaneous oscillation of an electric field and a magnetic field perpendicular to each other. However, there are several types of electromagnetic waves; in addition to radio and TV waves, we also have: microwaves, infrared rays, visible radiation (light), ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays.
What differentiates one electromagnetic wave from another is its wavelength (?= lambda), that is, the distance between two consecutive peaks of a wave.
On a daily basis, we deal with these various types of waves. Some are clearly perceptible (such as the visible one, which is captured by our eyes), while others need special devices for their detection, among them are radio waves (AM and FM), which are actually radio waves.
These rays, in the form of radiation, have low energy, and their reception and transmission are made by antennas. In its radiation range are also TV waves.
Radio waves are 3. 108 nm to 3. 1017 nm.They are used for radio transmissions (including medium, short and long waves). Furthermore, it is not just the human being who transmits this type of wave; stars and nebulae also emit them, being captured by radiotelescopes and radiointerferometers, thus allowing their study. This is even more essential when these celestial bodies are beyond the capture of optical telescopes.
By Jennifer Fogaça
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team.