
1 Propagation of radio waves
1.1 Frequency and wavelength
There is a fixed relationship between the frequency and the wave-
length, which is the distance between identical points on two adjacent
waves (Figure 1.1 ), of any type of wave: sound (pressure), electro-
magnetic (radio) and light. The type of wave and the speed at which
the wavefront travels through the medium determines the relationship.
The speed of propagation is slower in higher density media.
Wavelength (l)
(metres)
Time
(seconds)
Figure 1.1 Frequency and wavelength
Sound waves travel more slowly than radio and light waves which,
in free space, travel at the same speed, approximately 3 × 10 ...