* Above simulation adjusted the amplitude and wavelength for easy observation.
* For your understanding, the frequency modulation range of FM broadcasts is exaggerated.
Radio frequency
The audible frequency is commonly referred to as 'sound.' Sound's frequency range is about 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
There are some restrictions to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves of this audible frequency directly. The size of the antenna must be huge. And We cannot send it far.
In general, electromagnetic waves for broadcast have a much higher frequency.
Frequently used AM and FM radio frequency bands are as follows.
- AM radio frequency: about 500KHz ~ 1600KHz
- FM radio frequency: about 88MHz ~ 108MHz
Therefore, it is necessary to modulate to put the audio into the radiofrequency.
- AM (Amplitude Modulation): The amplitude of the electromagnetic wave changes according to the amplitude of the sound.
- FM (Frequency modulation): The frequency of electromagnetic waves changes depending on the amplitude of the sound.
AM broadcasts can easily reach far away, even with obstacles, but the sound quality is poor. On the other hand, FM has strong straightness, so if there are obstacles, radio waves cannot reach, but the sound quality is better than AM.