Summary:
Electromagnetic waves enable wireless communication and microwaves. Imagining ripples in a pond, we can visualize how these waves transmit information wirelessly through the sea of electrons that surround us. Direct currents are different from electromagnetic waves, with alternating current vibrating electrons to induce movement. The rate of vibration determines the frequency, and different frequencies correspond to radio waves, X-rays, and microwave radiation. Electromagnetic waves can vibrate molecules, such as water in a microwave, producing heat. While we are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic vibrations, a quieter environment can sometimes be a relief.
Full Text:
Electromagnetic waves are essential for wireless communication and the functioning of technology like microwaves. Although the concept is simple, it produces complex results. This article will use an analogy to help visualize the processes involved. Electrons, which can’t be seen, will be compared to ripples in a pond to aid in understanding.
To begin, imagine a device that taps water periodically, creating consistent ripples in a pond. These taps generate waves in the water, which can vary in intensity. Across the pond, there is a device that senses the intensity of the waves, distinguishing between strong and light taps. By encoding information, similar to Morse code, we can send a wireless message through these water waves.
Now, consider that we are surrounded by particles – all the air and materials around us are made up of atoms. Each atom is surrounded by electrons, forming an invisible sea of electrons. Although we can’t see them, electrons are present everywhere, creating the environment we exist within.
Thomas Edison’s discovery of direct currents (DC) revolutionized circuitry. Unlike ripples in a pond, DC flows like water from point A to point B. Electronics rely on this logical flow. The electric vehicle named Tesla, however, primarily uses direct currents despite the misnomer. While direct currents require electrons to move from the positive terminal to the negative terminal, there is another type of electricity that enables modern wireless communication.
Alternating current (AC) was discovered by Nikola Tesla and is particularly fascinating. AC doesn’t make electrons move from one point to another; instead, it vibrates the electrons. This vibration is similar to creating ripples in a pond. Due to their negative charge, electrons react to magnets. By constructing an electromagnet and pulsing it on and off, the oscillating magnetic force causes the electrons to move. They repel when the magnet turns on and return to their original state when it turns off. This process, similar to tapping the water, affects the sea of surrounding electrons. It has led to numerous modern inventions.
The rate of tapping the water or vibrating the sea of electrons determines frequency. For example, an old cordless phone operating at 900 MHz vibrates the sea of electrons 900,000,000 times per second. The strength of the taps allows devices to detect encoded information such as voice. Terms like radio waves, X-rays, and microwave radiation describe these vibration rates. Microwave radiation, for instance, refers to vibrations occurring between 1,000 MHz and 300 GHz, up to 300,000,000,000 times per second.
When using a microwave oven, the rapid electromagnetic vibrations cause the vibrating electrons to also vibrate the water molecules in food. This vibration generates heat, explaining why food gets hot when microwaved.
In our modern world, the sea of electrons constantly vibrates. Radio stations, cell transmissions, and WIFI routers all contribute to this vibration surrounding us. Although these vibrations are invisible to us, they exist at such a rapid rate that an animal capable of perceiving them would experience overwhelming noise that could hinder its functionality.
Alternating current allows for easy voltage transformation due to the creation of magnetic fields. Placing two coils of wire next to each other, one with 100 coils and the other with 50, the vibrations in the coil with more coils will generate a vibrating magnetic field that influences the coil with fewer coils. As a result, the secondary coil will have half the voltage of the first. Similarly, if the secondary coil has twice as many coils as the primary coil, it will double the voltage in a step-up transformation. Before entering our homes, electricity is sent at a higher voltage, but a transformer outside steps down the voltage to what we receive.
Transformers also produce electromagnetic waves, making the sea of electrons vibrate. With our modern technology, the electromagnetic noise surrounding us is substantial. If our sea of electrons were an actual sea, it would appear stormy due to the abundance of waves. Certain frequencies of electromagnetic waves are considered safe, only becoming dangerous when they contain enough energy to vibrate actual particles. X-rays, for example, vibrate so violently that they can damage the molecules that make up our DNA. This repeated exposure to X-rays can lead to cancer if it corrupts the DNA molecule, impairing cell functionality.
While we may not be able to fully escape electromagnetic vibrations, experiencing no cell service can serve as a reminder that the sea of electrons is a bit calmer.
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