This document discusses radio waves and their uses. It begins by explaining that radio waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and have a lower frequency than microwaves. It then discusses how radio waves are used for radio, mobile phones, Bluetooth, WiFi networks, TV broadcasts, GPS, satellites, and medical imaging. It notes that AM and FM radio transmit audio via radio waves to receivers. Wireless networks also use radio waves to transmit data between devices and to the internet via routers. Finally, it discusses the importance of radio waves in modern society for communication technologies and medical imaging.

1. A presentation by Ryan Aidan Onions
p11269227

2. The question on all our lips!
Well here are the answers you seek:
 Radio waves are part of the electromagnetic
spectrum (along with Gamma Rays, X-Rays,
UV light, Visible light, Infer-red and
microwaves.)
 Fun fact: Radio waves are a lower frequency
than microwaves and surround us, but
fortunately they don‟t cook us, instead they
pass right though solid matter and are pretty
useful in long distance communication.

3.  I know you are all wondering about where Radio waves fit
into this „electromagnetic spectrum.‟
 You will be pleased to know I have answers!
 The diagram below shows us that it is a large part of the
electromagnetic spectrum and contains AM and FM radio
waves.

4.  Radio is probably the most obvious answer
but not the only use for radio waves. Other
uses include:
 Mobile Phones
 Bluetooth
 Wireless Networks
 Television Broadcasts
 GPS receivers
 Satellite communication (including the internet)
 Police Scanners

5.  The radio was one of the first human
inventions to utilise radio waves in the form
of one-way commutation.
 Two types of radio: Amplitude Modulation
(AM) and the more popular Frequency
Modulation (FM)
 It works by an antenna sending out the radio
waves which are picked up by your radio, the
signal is then converted into sound and
played out of your speakers.

6.  Wireless networks are a very important part of the modern
world today. Wireless networks have recently become very
common over the past decade and can be found almost
anywhere.
 Many businesses (including Starbucks and Wetherspoons)
offer free Wi-Fi within their establishment. These
networks give the consumer the ability to access the
internet without and cables. I wonder why they call it
wireless.
It works like two way radio communication.
A computer‟s wireless adapter will change
data into a radio signal and transmit it to
and antenna. A wireless router will then
receive this this information, decode it and
send it off to the internet using a wired
Ethernet connection.

7.  In terms of Radio Waves, Wi-Fi operates at
2.4GHz or 5GHz which is a very high
frequency more commonly used for mobile
phones and television.
 The frequency is so high as it allows for more
data to be carried.

8.  Radio waves are used in Magnetic Resonance
Imaging and is able to visually map out the insides
of the human body in 3D.
 It is used particularly to see the brain and check
for tumours.
 A very important part of modern medical
procedures. Proof that Radio Waves are not all
about soaps on TV and Chris Moyles and can
actually saves human lives.

9.  In today‟s society Radio Waves have become
very important. Whether that‟s to listen your
favourite show on AM radio or keep your
inner hypochondriac at bay and have your
week MRI scan.
 I personally believe we‟ve arrived at a place
where we cannot live without Radio Waves.
From the extremely useful police scanners
keeping us safe to the unnecessarily useful
wireless car door locks that keep us lazy.

10.  How Stuff Works “What Is Wi-Fi”
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-
network1.htm Accessed: 27th January 2012
 How Stuff Works “How Radio Works”
http://www.howstuffworks.com/radio.htm
Accessed: 27th January 2012
 BBC Learning Zone, Radio Waves and MRI
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/radio
-waves-and-mri-scans-the-electromagnetic-
spectrum/1457.html Acessed 27th January 2012