Radio Waves and Electromagnetic Fields
PHY112 – Lab 9 – Worksheet
Directions
•When you go to the simulation you will have a choice to either run the simulation or download the simulation. Run may not work on all computers. If it does not run, download the simulation and work from there.
•When the simulation opens, play with the controls and buttons to become familiar with how the simulation works.
•Note: A formal lab report is not required for this activity. You may cut and paste this worksheet to a new Word document and adjust the spacing to fit your needs.
Procedures
•Open the simulation.
•Explain how the radiating electric field (or electromagnetic signal) is produced when radio stations broadcast.
A radio wave (radiating electric field) propagates out from the source, traveling at the speed of light. The source, for example an antenna, creates oscillating electric(E)/ magnetic(B) fields. These fields are perpendicular not only to each other but to the direction of the traveling wave, and travel away from the antenna. The electromagnetic wave is, therefore, a transverse wave. The electric/ magnetic fields store the energy of the wave. Basically, the oscillating current to the antennas sets the electrons in motion. These electrons, being accelerated, create discontinuity in the electromagnetic field.
•Briefly explain what is actually producing the radio signal.
Energy, in the form of electromagnetic radiation, exerts steadily oscillating force on charges (electrons). The force is originally exerted strongly in one direction, but then reverses for the cycle to continue. The radio waves push on the electrons in the metal in the antenna, causing the oscillating up and down the length of the source (antenna). The current is this created in the antenna.
•Adjust the transmitter on the simulator so that it is in the sinusoidal mode and the electrons are oscillating up and down at a regular frequency. Ensure the “display the curve” and the “radiated field” boxes are checked. What does the
Directions
•When you go to the simulation you will have a choice to either run the simulation or download the simulation. Run may not work on all computers. If it does not run, download the simulation and work from there.
•When the simulation opens, play with the controls and buttons to become familiar with how the simulation works.
•Note: A formal lab report is not required for this activity. You may cut and paste this worksheet to a new Word document and adjust the spacing to fit your needs.
Procedures
•Open the simulation.
•Explain how the radiating electric field (or electromagnetic signal) is produced when radio stations broadcast.
A radio wave (radiating electric field) propagates out from the source, traveling at the speed of light. The source, for example an antenna, creates oscillating electric(E)/ magnetic(B) fields. These fields are perpendicular not only to each other but to the direction of the traveling wave, and travel away from the antenna. The electromagnetic wave is, therefore, a transverse wave. The electric/ magnetic fields store the energy of the wave. Basically, the oscillating current to the antennas sets the electrons in motion. These electrons, being accelerated, create discontinuity in the electromagnetic field.
•Briefly explain what is actually producing the radio signal.
Energy, in the form of electromagnetic radiation, exerts steadily oscillating force on charges (electrons). The force is originally exerted strongly in one direction, but then reverses for the cycle to continue. The radio waves push on the electrons in the metal in the antenna, causing the oscillating up and down the length of the source (antenna). The current is this created in the antenna.
•Adjust the transmitter on the simulator so that it is in the sinusoidal mode and the electrons are oscillating up and down at a regular frequency. Ensure the “display the curve” and the “radiated field” boxes are checked. What does the