Adventure Science: Radio & Electronics Section
Lesson 3: Radio Wave Propagation (How radio waves travel)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how radio waves travel across the world (e.g. line-of-sight, groundwave, skywave)
- Learn why AM frequencies travel short distances during the day, but long distances at night
Review this article on wave behavior.
You can learn more about the ionospheric layers here (scroll down).
Assignment:
Check out this space weather page.
Quiz Preparation: Short Answer
- At what frequency does alternating current start propagating as a wave?
- What is the range of short wave frequencies that propagate as skywaves?
- What causes ions to develop in the ionosphere?
Read this page on Radio Station WWV.
To test the propagation quality of various radio signals ham radio operators tune into Radio Station WWV in Colorado and WWVH in Hawaii. They broadcast specific frequencies, information about space weather and time information. This helps hams use the best frequencies for long distance communication. Read about the Radio Station WWV broadcast format.