Radio Waves (HT Only) (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy: Life & Environmental Sciences): Revision Note

Radio Waves

Higher Tier Only

• Radio waves can be produced by oscillations in electrical circuits

• Radio waves can also induce oscillations in electrical circuits when absorbed

Radio waves are produced by high-frequency alternating currents and induce similar currents when they are received

• In a transmitting antenna:

  • An alternating current (a.c.) causes charge to oscillate up and down the antenna

  • This produces radio waves with the same frequency as the oscillating current

• In a receiving aerial:

  • The metal aerial absorbs the radio waves

  • This creates an alternating current with the same frequency as the received wave