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Cell phone

Definition

A cell phone is a portable electronic device that uses electromagnetic waves to enable wireless communication. It operates within specific frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cell phones primarily operate using radio waves, which are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  2. The frequency range for cell phone communication typically falls between 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz.
  3. Cell phones convert voice signals into electrical signals, which are then transmitted as electromagnetic waves.
  4. The efficiency and range of a cell phone signal can be affected by factors such as interference and obstacles like buildings.
  5. Modern cell phones often use digital modulation techniques like Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) to improve data transmission rates.

Review Questions

  • What part of the electromagnetic spectrum do cell phones use for communication?
  • How do obstacles like buildings affect cell phone signal transmission?
  • Why are digital modulation techniques used in modern cell phones?

Related terms

Radio Waves: A type of electromagnetic wave with frequencies ranging from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, used for long-distance communication.

Frequency: The number of cycles per second in an electromagnetic wave, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Digital Modulation: \text{Techniques used to encode information onto an electromagnetic wave by varying its amplitude, frequency, or phase.}



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.