Role of Waves in Modern Technology

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Role of Waves in Modern Technology

This lesson aligns with NGSS PS4.C

Introduction

Waves are significant because everything you see and hear in life is the consequence of them. They pass through the medium and return to us with a signal, which we then utilize to recognize and interpret the picture or voice. These waves have enhanced our senses. For instance, the microscope has multiplied our sense of sight. Mobile phones have improved our hearing senses, and we can now hear our loved ones' voices sitting in the other corner of the world.

What are Waves and Their Types

Waves are disturbances that move from one place to another, carrying energy without transporting matter. The particles in the medium vibrate predictably, which can be studied to determine the wave's features. Waves can be explained by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude, which determine their characteristics and uses.

There are two main types of waves: Mechanical and Electromagnetic waves. Mechanical locks require any medium to travel. Like Sound waves, they need any medium to travel, like air, liquid, or metal, to propagate. However, electromagnetic waves can travel not only through air and solid materials but also through the vacuum or space. This property of EM waves makes it useful for many applications. The further types of Electromagnetic rays are Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet rays, which have widespread use in modern technologies.

Applications of Waves in Modern Technology

Sound Technology

Sound waves (besides EM) play a decisive role in producing sound in communication and entertainment. Microphones, speakers, ear pods, and other devices utilize sound waves to transmit signals. Several smart devices, hearing aids, Audio recording, and speech recognition are all obliged to sound technology.

Ultrasonography (USG) is another well-known use of sound waves in medical imaging. Using ultrasound, doctors take images of the inside of the body to monitor the growth of unborn babies. USG also helps diagnose other medical conditions and guides surgical operations.

Wireless Technology And Communication

Radio waves and microwaves' across-the-board make them an excellent choice for detection and communication in this modern world. Smartphones and the internet rely on these waves and optical fiber. Wireless devices utilize radio waves and connect computers, tablets, and phones to the internet using radio waves. These gadgets use the airways to send and receive data in communication with cell towers and routers. Wireless technology has allowed us to quickly speak with individuals around the globe, access information, and broadcast movies.

Another application of radio waves is in the military. The ability to travel longer distances is used in RADAR systems to detect any objects in the sky.

Global Positioning Systems

The use of Google Maps is widely used to reach a destination due to the well-known GPS. A satellite network transmits radio waves to GPS receivers on the ground to make the GPS work. This technology is used for navigation, geolocation, mapping apps, and tracking lost smartphones.

X-rays and Diagnostics

Since X-rays are electromagnetic rays, they consist of shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies. It can easily penetrate and give images of the bones or masses inside the body. X-rays are pivotal in diagnostics and cancer treatment by killing cancer cells. However, exposure to X-rays has a lethal effect on the human body, so medical professionals take precautions to limit radiation exposure to patients.

Other than this, x-rays are also used to restore old paintings. Also, it is used as a scanner in airports and rail terminals to scan luggage.

Infrared and Thermal Imaging

We know TV can switch on with the Remote control because of infrared rays, but it also has multiple other applications. As infrared can generate heat, it is used in thermal imaging to detect and convert infrared radiation to images of the thermal distribution within the subject. For example, it is used in night-vision cameras. It also has applications in data networking, telecommunications, astronomy, and meteorology.

As it causes climate change, infrared contributes to temperature rise. Infrared radiation is absorbed and emitted by greenhouse gasses, raising the earth's surface and atmospheric temperature. We call this the greenhouse effect.

Summary

Sound waves are used in sound technology; for instance, headphones, speakers, and earbuds all receive and transmit signals in the form of sound waves.
Ultrasonography: Doctors can monitor any underlying medical conditions inside the body via ultrasound. Most importantly, they can monitor the growing fetus inside the womb.
The usefulness of microwaves and radio waves goes beyond heating food and listening to the radio. Instead, they have improved the communication industry in several ways.
By transmitting microwaves to the satellite and receiving them back, GPS can determine the location of any item.
X-rays are important in the medical industry. It can identify any kind of fracture in diagnostics, and in treatment, it may eradicate cancerous cells.

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