Question

Electromagnetic waves can carry more data at higher frequencies. Why would a scientist opt to transmit data at a lower frequency instead?
What are the limitations of sending information using electromagnetic waves?
What are the differences between analog and digital signals?
What are the advantages of using digital signals over analog signals?
Using reliable internet sources, identify three ways we use analog and digital signals in our everyday lives.

Answer 1

Transmitting data over low frequency electromagnetic waves can reach great distances before attenuation because are not easily interfered with by obstacles like high frequency waves are. This is because they can diffract over obstacles and pass around them with less shadowing.

 

A disadvantage of using electromagnetic waves to transmit data is interference. One cause of interference is the transmission ton over same frequency hence the necessity to regulate these waves through policies. Other causes of interference are due to weather or obstacles.

 

Analogue signal is the decoding of electromagnetic waves into electric pulses (of varying amplitudes) by a decoder and pass the electric circuit in the electronics. However, in digital signal, electromagnetic waves are converted to binary format (0s and 1s). Therefore, analogue signal is a continous signal while digital is discretely broken down into bits.

 

Digital signal have the advantage of analogue signal over the fact that they can carry loads of information. Analogue signal draws more power than digital signal hence the later is eco-friendly. Digital signals are less likely to be affected by noise unlike analogue signals.

 

One major application for analogue signals is their use is speakers and microphones. Nonetheless, contemporarily, there are emerging digital microphones and speakers. A popular example of application of digital signal is in the mobile communication industry. The shift from analogue to digital has been greatly revolutionalized communication.