The advantages & disadvantages of waves
Types of waves
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
Microwaves (very
short wave length radio waves) |
Pass through the
ionosphere, so are suitable for satellite to Earth transmission. Can be modified to carry many signals at one time, including data, television pictures and voice messages. |
Absorbed very easily
by natural, e.g. rain, and made objects, e.g. concrete. They are
also absorbed by living tissue and may cause harm by their cooking
effect. Need special aerials to receive them. |
Radio waves |
Some are reflected
off the ionosphere, so can travel around the Earth. Can carry a message instantaneously over a wide area. Aerials to receive them are simpler than for microwaves. |
The range of
frequencies that can be accessed by existing technology is limited,
so there is a lot of competition amongst companies for the use of
the frequencies. |
Both microwaves
and radio waves |
Wires are not needed
as they travel through air, thus, a cheaper form of communication. |
Travel in a straight
line, so repeater stations may be needed. |