can anyone explain what AM and FM waves are, and how they relate to wireless phone communication? i’m having trouble understanding if we have both AM and FM waves at the same time while we speak or it’s just one or the other
#physics help
latent iron
deft goblet
I don’t know much about this so if I’ve made a mistake, someone please feel free to let me know! But here’s what I found when researching on google to give you my best shot at an answer.
First off, FM waves have to do with frequency while AM waves have to do with amplitude. Meaning, when you take the wave and try to draw it on paper as a wiggly line, the peaks of the FM’s line will vary in distance from each other (changing frequency), but will all be the same height (unchanging amplitude). However, the AM line will show the peaks at differing heights (changing amplitude), but with each peak equidistant from the others (unchanging frequency).
As for how a cell phone relates to FM and AM, here’s a little background: there is an electromagnetic spectrum made up of several types of electromagnetic waves ex: Gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, infrared, microwaves, radio waves (FM and AM waves fall into this category), long radio waves.
Cell phones produce multiple types of electromagnetic waves (ranging from radio waves to microwaves) that are generally grouped together to be called Radio Frequencies. Which specific radio frequencies are used by a cell phone when a call is made depends on the phone. This is why when you are trying to pick a carrier for your phone you have to make sure the frequencies of your phone are compatible with the band of frequencies the carrier uses. Ultimately however, the frequencies that are used by mobile phones are of greater frequency and lesser wavelength than both AM and FM waves. Sorry this image may show up a little blurry, but it was the best i could find.
I hope this helps!
latent iron
thanks!