Intro
Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that, like all other electromagnetic waves, travels at the speed of light. Natural radio waves are made by lightning and by astronomical objects. Artificially generated radio waves are used for radar and other navigation systems, fixed and mobile communication, satellite communication, Internet uses, and many other things.
Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that, like all other electromagnetic waves, travels at the speed of light. Natural radio waves are made by lightning and by astronomical objects. Artificially generated radio waves are used for radar and other navigation systems, fixed and mobile communication, satellite communication, Internet uses, and many other things.
Discovery
Radio waves were first mentioned in the mathematical work done in 1865 by James C. Maxwell. Maxwell noticed properties that were similar between electromagnetic force and light. With these properties in mind, he developed mathematical equations that would explain his ideas. And then, a bright man by the name of Heinrich Hertz came along. He was fascinated by the mathematical works of Maxwell, and was predisposed to prove these equations with the use of experiments that would animate the idea of radio waves. After analyzing all the data that he came about after years of research, he made the Hertz antenna receiver. And with this device, he became the first person to send a wave from one antenna and receive it on another. And that was extremely cool, considering that this was over 120 years ago!
Hertz Maxwell
Hertz Bio
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was born in Hamburg, Germany. His dad was a lawyer and his mom a housewife. In his youth Heinrich’s hobby was building mechanical objects in the family workshop. Hertz began his college studies at the University of Munich. After very little time, he transferred to the University of Berlin, where he received a doctorate in Philosophy. In other words, he was a pretty smart guy!
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was born in Hamburg, Germany. His dad was a lawyer and his mom a housewife. In his youth Heinrich’s hobby was building mechanical objects in the family workshop. Hertz began his college studies at the University of Munich. After very little time, he transferred to the University of Berlin, where he received a doctorate in Philosophy. In other words, he was a pretty smart guy!
Impact on Society
This man is responsible for arguably the most important discovery when talking about modern technology, and he was so cool that he did this in 1887! Radio waves are used so much in the modern world. They are used in transmitting sound and television signals, which is something that we use quite often. They are also used so astronauts can communicate with earth without having to send notes tied to asteroids. Satellites are just huge radio transceivers. And of course, CELL PHONES!
Video 1
Video 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCPxbhjDiGw&feature=related (this one has very calming music, watch it and ignore the science and just close your eyes, feel the music, let it sooth your soul)
References
Heinrich Rudolph Hertz. (n.d.). Corrosion science and engineering information hub. Retrieved December 13, 2010, from http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Biographies/HertzBio.htm
Hertz. (n.d.). Antique Wireless And Scientific Instruments. Retrieved December 13, 2010, from http://www.sparkmuseum.com/BOOK_HERTZ.HTM
Radio waves. (n.d.). Kids Radio waves. Retrieved from http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/radio.html
The, B. (n.d.). Biography - James Clerk Maxwell. Answers in Genesis - Creation, Evolution, Christian Apologetics. Retrieved December 13, 2010, from http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/bios/jc_maxwell.asp
YouTube - Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves. (n.d.). YouTube - Broadcast
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