Radio Waves

Definition

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic wave with wavelengths longer than infrared light. They have frequencies from 300 GHz to as low as 3 kHz, and corresponding wavelengths from 1 millimeter to 100 kilometers.

Related terms

Microwaves:

As mentioned earlier these are similar to fast delivery trucks on our highway analogy - smaller and faster than radio "trains" but larger and slower than infrared "vans".

Electromagnetic Spectrum:

The classification system for all types of waves, including radio waves. It's our road map showing where each vehicle (wave) belongs.

Frequency:

This is the number of complete wave cycles per second. In our analogy, it's like the speed at which our vehicles are traveling.