There are many types of waves that exist today. One way of classifying them is placing them under the mechanical wave or the electromagnetic wave category. The main difference between the two is that mechanical waves need a medium, while electromagnetic waves don’t because they can be transmitted through a vacuum.
Types of electromagnetic waves include ultraviolet waves, gamma rays, infrared waves, and radio waves. Therefore, by definition, radio waves are types of waves under the electromagnetic spectrum.
One significant fact about radio waves is that they’re the most extended types of waves within the electromagnetic category. The waves exist naturally, but they can also be artificially created.
Here are fifteen uses of radio waves.
1. Radio
Radio broadcasting stations use radio waves to reach people across the country. This is how you can tune in to your favorite stations miles away, whether you are at home or on the move. Thanks to this technology, you have hundreds of stations to choose from.
The waves are either transferred through AM (Amplitude Modulation) or FM (Frequency Modulation).
2. Television
Similar to radio stations, TV stations also use the same type of technology to reach a wide audience at the same time. The signals are transferred and received through your TV set for you to enjoy the different TV stations at any time.
3. Cellphones
Cellphones have advanced in so many ways. They include features like radio, and you have the option of connecting to your TV decoder so you can watch different channels directly.
Still, the most obvious use of radio waves is communication. You’re able to share information through calls and text messages even when you are on different continents.
4. Wireless Bluetooth devices
Your Bluetooth headphones and earphones are able to pair due to radio wave technology. Data is transmitted through Ultra High-Frequency waves from one device to the other. You can play music, share data, and do various activities over Bluetooth instead of relying on cable connections.
5. Aircraft navigation
Radio waves are very instrumental in aircraft navigation in that pilots are able to get proper bearings as they steer the planes. They are able to correctly locate their positions and communicate with one another as well as linking with Air Traffic Control.
6. Marine navigation
The same happens with water vessels like ships. They need to get a proper bearing of where they are and where they’re headed to prevent any collisions.
7. Astronomy
Radio astronomy has gathered so many benefits from radio wave technology. Astronomers focus on the natural occurrence of radio waves in the galaxies, comets, and other natural entities that exist in the universe.
One invention that has aided these studies is the radio telescope.
8. Space navigation
Space exploration has also employed the use of radio wave technology in many ways. Astronauts can communicate with each other and transmits information back to earth through these same waves.
Back on earth, explorers are also able to carry out their own investigations through radio waves.
9. WI-FI connection
Have you ever wondered how your Wi-Fi connection operates?
The underlying technology that allows the signal to spread from the router to your device without the use of cables is radio waves. This seamlessly keeps your devices online once you connect to the same network, within a certain distance.
10. GPS tracking
GPS, also known as the Global Positioning System, uses satellites to locate you. That whole process uses radio-wave technology, which accurately indicates the coordinates.
11. MRI scanning
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is essential for diagnostic purposes. These scans are useful in identifying the presence of tumors, infections, brain trauma, and so many other conditions.
When it comes to this area of medicine, radio waves are used to assist in the process. This technology produces detailed images that help doctors decide on the next steps to take during treatment.
12. Radio wave surgery
Small procedures can be carried out through this technology. Some of them include wart, mole, and lesion removal. It’s not the usual type of surgery that we know because it uses radio frequencies.
The procedures are usually quick, and they leave minimal scarring.
13. Wrinkle treatment
Beauty treatment options are continuing to expand every year. There are so many manufactured creams and gels, and you also have the option of using pure, natural products if that’s your preference.
Aside from the two types, you have laser treatments and radio wave treatments. The doctor will use a machine to pass the waves into the layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production.
As you grow older, collagen production reduces, so this is a great way to bring back your youthful glow.
The wrinkles and fine lines will soon disappear with a few treatments.
14. Pain relieving
Chronic pains can also be treated through radio waves. You could be suffering from arthritis, joint pains, or back pain from a car accident you experienced.
This type of treatment is called Radiofrequency ablation, where heat from radio waves is directed to nerves to numb the pain.
15. Walkie-Talkies
Walkie-talkies have been used for communication at construction sites and for communication purposes between police officers.
Radio waves allow the information to pass effectively.
Criticisms
Are radio waves dangerous?
You’ll come across all types of information concerning radio waves on the internet. Unfortunately, there are many myths that have been shared, leaving people more worried than they should be.
Generally, there are no serious effects of radio waves on the human body except in cases where someone has been exposed to excess amounts.
When it comes to cancer studies, there is still more research to be done, but so far, there have been no direct links between radio waves and the various forms of cancer.
