Communications using Satellites in Geosynchronous/Geostationary Orbit
Communications using Satellites in Geosynchronous/Geostationary Orbit
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
- Transverse waves move the medium in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the wave; examples include water waves, waves on a string, and electromagnetic waves.
- Longitudinal waves move the medium in the same direction as the wave; the motion is parallel and examples include sound waves or seismic P-waves.
Description of a Wave
- Wavelength refers to the distance between two identical parts in subsequent wave cycles such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.
- Amplitude is the height of the wave, measured from its midpoint (the resting position) to its peak (crest) or trough.
Reflection and Refraction
- Reflection occurs when a wave hits a surface and bounces back; the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
- Refraction is the change in direction and speed of a wave when it moves from one medium to another, causing the wave to bend.
Radiation
- Radiation refers to the process where energy is emitted as particles or waves.
- It is a way heat transfer takes place, along with conduction and convection, radiation requires no medium and can take place in a vacuum.
Ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma Rays
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves and can be harmful to living organisms.
- X-rays have very short wavelengths and high energy; used in medicine for imaging.
- Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and most energy of any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all the different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, including light, radio waves, and gamma rays.
- The spectrum stretches from very low energy radio waves to very high energy gamma rays.
Wavelength, Frequency, Speed, and Amplitude
- Wavelength, frequency, speed, and amplitude are four fundamental characteristics of waves.
- Wavelength: the distance between two identical parts in subsequent wave cycles.
- Frequency: the number of wave cycles passing a fixed point per unit of time.
- Speed: how fast the wave is moving.
- Amplitude: the height of the wave.
Communications using Satellites in Geosynchronous/Geostationary Orbit
- Geostationary orbits allow satellites to appear stationary relative to an observer on Earth.
- They’re crucial in telecommunications, as the satellite is always in the same spot in the sky.
Please remember to always check with your syllabus and lecture notes to ensure complete understanding of the subject matter.