Source text. Published from the recorded source PDF for NEETS Module 10: Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines, and Antennas.
NEETS MODULE 10-Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines,
and Antennas
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1 WA VE PROPAGATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After you finish this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. State what wave motion is, define the terms reflection, refraction, and diffraction,
and describe the Doppler effect.
2. State what sound waves are and define a propagating medium.
3. List and define terms as applied to sound waves, such as cycle, frequency,
wavelength, and velocity.
4. List the three requirements for sound.
5. Define pitch, intensity, loudness, and quality and their application to sound
waves.
6. State the acoustical effects that echoes, reverberation, resonance, and noise have
on sound waves.
7. Define light waves and list their characteristics.
8. List the various colors of light and define the terms reflection, refraction,
diffusion, and absorption as applied to light waves.
9. State the difference between sound waves and light waves.
10. State the electromagnetic wave theory and list the components of the
electromagnetic wave.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Of the many technical subjects that naval personnel are expected to know, probably the
one least susceptible to change is the theory of wave propagation. The basic principles
that enable waves to be propagated (transmitted) through space are the same today as
they were 70 years ago. One would think, then, that a thorough understanding of these
principles is a relatively simple task. For the electrical engineer or the individual with a
natural curiosity for the unknown, it is indeed a simple task. Most technicians, however,
tend to view wave propagation as something complex and confusing, and would just as
soon see this chapter completely disappear from training manuals. This attitude
undoubtedly stems from the fact that wave propagation is an invisible force that cannot
be detected by the sense of sight or touch. Understanding wave propagation requires the
use of the imagination to visualize the associated concepts and how they are used in
practical application. This manual was developed to help you visualize and understand
those concepts. Through ample use of illustrations and a step-by-step transition from the
simple to the complex, we will help you develop a better understanding of wave
propagation. In this chapter, we will discuss propagation theory on an introductory level,
without going into the technical details that concern the engineer.
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However, you must still use thought and imagination to understand the new ideas and
concepts as they are presented.
To understand radio wave propagation, you must first learn what wave propagation is and
some of the basic physics or properties that affect propagation. Many of these properties
are common everyday occurrences, with which you are already familiar.
1.2 WHAT IS PROPAGATION?
Early man was quick to recognize the need to communicate beyond the range of the
human voice. To satisfy this need, he developed alternate methods of communication,
such as hand gestures, beating on a hollow log, and smoke signals. Although these
methods were effective, they were still greatly limited in range. Eventually, the range
limitations were overcome by the development of courier and postal systems; but there
was then a problem of speed. For centuries the time required for the delivery of a
message depended on the speed of a horse.
During the latter part of the 19th century, both distance and time limitations were largely
overcome. The invention of the telegraph made possible instantaneous communication
over long wires. Then a short time later, man discovered how to transmit messages in the
form of RADIO WAVES.
As you will learn in this chapter, radio waves are propagated. PROPAGATION means
"movement through a medium." This is most easily illustrated by light rays. When a light
is turned on in a darkened room, light rays travel from the light bulb throughout the room.
When a flashlight is turned on, light rays also radiate from its bulb, but are focused into a
narrow beam. You can use these examples to picture how radio waves propagate. Like
the light in the room, radio waves may spread out in all directions. They can also be
focused (concentrated) like the flashlight, depending upon the need. Radio waves are a
form of radiant energy, similar to light and heat. Although they can neither be seen nor
felt, their presence can be detected through the use of sensitive measuring devices. The
speed at which both forms of waves travel is the same; they both travel at the speed of
light.
You may wonder why you can see light but not radio waves, which consist of the same
form of energy as light. The reason is that you can only "see" what your eyes can detect.
Your eyes can detect radiant energy only within a fixed range of frequencies. Since the
frequencies of radio waves are below the frequencies your eyes can detect, you cannot
see radio waves.
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The theory of wave propagation that we discuss in this module applies to Navy electronic
equipment, such as radar, navigation, detection, and communication equipment. We will
not discuss these individual systems in this module, but we will explain them in future
modules.
Q1. What is propagation?
1.3 PRINCIPLES OF WAVE MOTION
All things on the earth—on the land, or in the water —are showered continually with
waves of energy. Some of these waves stimulate our senses and can be seen, felt, or
heard. For instance, we can see light, hear sound, and feel heat. However, there are some
waves that do not stimulate our senses. For example, radio waves, such as those received
by our portable radio or television sets, cannot be seen, heard, or felt. A device must be
used to convert radio waves into light (TV pictures) and sound (audio) for us to sense
them.
A WAVE can be defined as a DISTURBANCE (sound, light, radio waves) that moves
through a MEDIUM (air, water, vacuum). To help you understand what is meant by "a
disturbance which moves through a medium," picture the following illustration. You are
standing in the middle of a wheat field. As the wind blows across the field toward you,
you can see the wheat stalks bending and rising as the force of the wind moves into and
across them. The wheat appears to be moving toward you, but it isn’t. Instead, the stalks
are actually moving back and forth. We can then say that the "medium" in this illustration
is the wheat and the "disturbance" is the wind moving the stalks of wheat.
WAVE MOTION can be defined as a recurring disturbance advancing through space
with or without the use of a physical medium. Wave motion, therefore, is a means of
moving or transferring energy from one point to another point. For example, when sound
waves strike a microphone, sound energy is converted into electrical energy. When light
waves strike a phototransistor or radio waves strike an antenna, they are likewise
converted into electrical energy. Therefore, sound, light, and radio waves are all forms of
energy that are moved by wave motion. We will discuss sound waves, light waves, and
radio waves later.
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Q2. How is a wave defined as it applies to wave propagation?
Q3. What is wave motion?
Q4. What are some examples of wave motion?
1.3.1 Wave Motion in Water
A type of wave motion familiar to almost everyone is the movement of waves in water.
We will explain these waves first to help you understand wave motion and the terms used
to describe it.
Basic wave motion can be shown by dropping a stone into a pool of water (see figure 1-
1). As the stone enters the water, a surface disturbance is created, resulting in an
expanding series of circular waves. Figure 1-2 is a diagram of this action. View A shows
the falling stone just an instant before it strikes the water. View B shows the action taking
place at the instant the stone strikes the surface, pushing the water that is around it
upward and outward. In view C, the stone has sunk deeper into the water, which has
closed violently over it causing some spray, while the leading wave has moved outward.
An instant later, the stone has sunk out of sight, leaving the water disturbed as shown in
view D. Here the leading wave has continued to move outward and is followed by a
series of waves gradually diminishing in amplitude. Meanwhile, the disturbance at the
original point of contact has gradually subsided.
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Figure 1-1 Formation of waves in water
Figure 1-2 How a falling stone creates wave motion to the surface of water
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In this example, the water is not actually being moved outward by the motion of the
waves, but up and down as the waves move outward. The up and down motion is
transverse, or at right angles, to the outward motion of the waves. This type of wave
motion is called TRANSVERSE WAVE MOTION.
Q5. What type of wave motion is represented by the motion of water?
1.3.2 Transverse Waves
To explain transverse waves, we will again use our example of water waves. Figure 1-3 is
a cross section diagram of waves viewed from the side. Notice that the waves are a
succession of crests and troughs. The wavelength (one 360 degree cycle) is the distance
from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next, or between any two similar points on
adjacent waves. The amplitude of a transverse wave is half the distance measured
vertically from the crest to the trough. Water waves are known as transverse waves
because the motion of the water is up and down, or at right angles to the direction in
which the waves are traveling. You can see this by observing a cork bobbing up and
down on water as the waves pass by; the cork moves very little in a sideways direction. In
figure 1-4, the small arrows show the up-and-down direction the cork moves as the
transverse wave is set in motion. The direction the wave travels is shown by the large
arrow. Radio waves, light waves, and heat waves are examples of transverse waves.
Figure 1-3 Elements of a wave
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1.3.3 Longitudinal Waves
In the previous discussion, we listed radio waves, light waves, and heat waves as
examples of transverse waves, but we did not mention sound waves. Why? Simply
because sound waves are LONGITUDINAL WAVES. Unlike transverse waves, which
travel at right angles to the direction of propagation, sound waves travel back and forth in
the same direction as the wave motion. Therefore, longitudinal waves are waves in which
the disturbance takes place in the direction of propagation. Longitudinal waves are
sometimes called COMPRESSION WAVES.
Waves that make up sound, such as those set up in the air by a vibrating tuning fork, are
longitudinal waves. In figure 1-5, the tuning fork, when struck, sets up vibrations. As the
tine moves in an outward direction, the air immediately in front of it is compressed (made
more dense) so that its momentary pressure is raised above that at other points in the
surrounding medium (air). Because air is elastic, the disturbance is transmitted in an
outward direction as a COMPRESSION WAVE. When the tine returns and moves in the
inward direction, the air in front of the tine is rarefied (made less dense or expanded) so
that its pressure is lowered below that of the other points in the surrounding air. The
rarefied wave is propagated from the tuning fork and follows the compressed wave
through the medium (air).
Figure 1-4 Transverse wave
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Q6. What are some examples of transverse waves?
Q7. What example of a longitudinal wave was given in the text?
1.3.4 Medium
We have used the term medium in describing the motion of waves. Since medium is a
term that is used frequently in discussing propagation, it needs to be defined so you will
understand what a medium is and its application to propagation.
A MEDIUM is the vehicle through which the wave travels from one point to the next.
The vehicle that carries a wave can be just about anything. An example of a medium,
already mentioned, is air. Air, as defined by the dictionary, is the mixture of invisible,
odorless, tasteless gases that surrounds the earth (the atmosphere). Air is made up of
molecules of various gases (and impurities). We will call these molecules of air particles
of air or simply particles.
Figure 1-5 Sound propagation by a tuning fork
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Figure 1-6 will help you to understand how waves travel through air. The object
producing the waves is called the SOURCE—a bell in this illustration. The object
responding to the waves is called a DETECTOR or RECEIVER—in this case, the human
ear. The medium is air, which is the means of conveying the waves from the source to the
detector. The source, detector, and medium are all necessary for wave motion and wave
propagation (except for electromagnetic waves which require no medium). The waves
shown in figure 1-6 are sound waves. As the bell is rung, the particles of air around the
bell are compressed and then expanded. This compression and expansion of particles of
air set up a wave motion in the air. As the waves are produced, they carry energy from
particle to particle through the medium (air) to the detector (ear).
Q8. What are the three requirements for a wave to be propagated?
1.3.5 Terms Used in Wave Motion
There are a number of special terms concerning waves that you should know. Many of
the terms, such as CYCLE, WAVELENGTH, AMPLITUDE, and FREQUENCY were
introduced in previous NEETS modules. We will now discuss these terms in detail as they
pertain to wave propagation. Before we begin our discussion, however, note that in the
figure, wave 1 and wave 2 have equal frequency and wavelength but different
amplitudes. The REFERENCE LINE (also known as REST POSITION or POINT OF
ZERO DISPLACEMENT) is the position that a particle of matter would have if it were
not disturbed by wave motion. For example, in the case of the water wave, the reference
line is the level of the water when no wave motion is present. With this in mind, let’s go
on to our discussion of the four terms, as shown in figure 1-7.
Figure 1-6 The three elements of sound
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1.3.5.1 Cycle
Refer to wave 1 in figure 1-7. Notice how similar it is to the sine wave you have already
studied. All transverse waves appear as sine waves when viewed from the side. In figure
1-7, wave 1 has four complete cycles. Points ABCDE comprise one complete cycle
having a maximum value above and a maximum value below the reference line. The
portion above the reference line (between points A and C) is called a POSITIVE
ALTERNATION and the portion below the reference line (between points C and
E) is known as a NEGATIVE ALTERNATION. The combination of one complete
positive and one complete negative alternation represents one cycle of the wave. At point
E, the wave begins to repeat itself with a second cycle completed at point I, a third at
point M, etc. The peak of the positive alternation (maximum value above the line) is
sometimes referred to as the TOP or CREST, and the peak of the negative alternation
(maximum value below the line) is sometimes called the BOTTOM or TROUGH, as
depicted in the figure. Therefore, one cycle has one crest and one trough.
Figure 1-7 Comparison of waves with different amplitudes
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1.3.5.2 Wavelength
A WAVELENGTH is the distance in space occupied by one cycle of a radio wave at any
given instant. If the wave could be frozen in place and measured, the wavelength would
be the distance from the leading edge of one cycle to the corresponding point on the next
cycle. Wavelengths vary from a few hundredths of an inch at extremely high frequencies
to many miles at extremely low frequencies; however, common practice is to express
wavelengths in meters. Therefore, in figure 1-7 (wave 1), the distance between A and E,
or B and F, etc., is one wavelength. The Greek letter lambda is used to signify
wavelength. Why lambda and not “l” or “L”? This is because “L” is used conventionally
as the symbol for inductance, and “I” is used for dimensional length, therefore lambda is
used to indicate the length of waves.
1.3.5.3 Amplitude
Two waves may have the same wavelength, but the crest of one may rise higher above
the reference line than the crest of the other. Compare wave 1 and wave 2 of figure 1-7
again. The height of a wave crest above the reference line is called the AMPLITUDE of
the wave. The amplitude of a wave gives a relative indication of the amount of energy the
wave transmits. A continuous series of waves, such as A through Q, having the same
amplitude and wavelength, is called a train of waves or WAVE TRAIN.
1.3.5.4 Frequency and Time
Time is an important factor in wave studies. When a wave train passes through a
medium, a certain number of individual waves pass a given point in a specific unit of
time. For example, if a cork on a water wave rises and falls once every second, the wave
makes one complete up-and-down vibration every second. The number of vibrations, or
cycles, of a wave train in a unit of time is called the FREQUENCY of the wave train and
is measured in HERTZ. If 5 waves pass a point in one second, the frequency of the wave
train is 5 cycles per second. In figure 1-7, the frequency of both wave 1 and wave 2 is
four cycles per second (cycles per second is abbreviated as cps).
In 1967, in honor of the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, the term HERTZ was
designated for use in lieu of the term "cycle per second" when referring to the frequency
of radio waves. It may seem confusing that in one place the term "cycle" is used to
designate the positive and negative alternations of a wave, but in another instance the
term "hertz" is used to designate what appears to be the same thing. The key is the time
factor. The term cycle refers to any sequence of events, such as the positive and negative
alternations, comprising one cycle of electrical current. The term hertz refers to the
number of occurrences that take place in one second.
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Q9. What is a cycle?
Q10. What is wavelength (λ)?
1.3.6 Characteristics of Wave Motion
The two types of wave motion, transverse and longitudinal, have many of the same
characteristics, such as frequency, amplitude, and wavelength. Another important
characteristic that these two types of wave motion share is VELOCITY. Velocity of
propagation is the rate at which the disturbance travels through the medium, or the
velocity with which the crest of the wave moves along. The velocity of the wave depends
both on the type of wave (light, sound, or radio) and type of medium (air, water, or
metal). If longitudinal waves are plotted as a graph, they appear as transverse waves. This
fact is illustrated in figure 1-8.
The frequency of a longitudinal wave, like that of a transverse wave, is the number of
complete cycles the wave makes during a specific unit of time. The higher the frequency,
the greater is the number of compressions and expansions per unit of time.
In the two types of wave motion described in the preceding discussion, the following
quantities are of interest:
Figure 1-8 Longitudinal wave represented graphically by a transverse wave
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a. The PERIOD, which is the time (T) in which one complete vibratory cycle
of events occurs,
b. The FREQUENCY OF VIBRATION (f), which is the number of cycles
taking place in one second, and
c. The WAVELENGTH, which is the distance the disturbance travels during
one period of vibration.
Now, consider the following concept. If a vibrating object makes a certain number of
vibrations per second, then 1 second divided by the number of vibrations is equal to the
period of time of 1 vibration. In other words, the period, or time, of 1 vibration is the
reciprocal of the frequency; thus,
If you know the velocity of a wave, you can determine the wavelength by dividing the
velocity by the frequency. As an equation:
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When you use the above equation, be careful to express velocity and wavelength in the
proper units of length. For example, in the English system, if the velocity (expressed in
feet per second) is divided by the frequency (expressed in cycles per second, or Hz), the
wavelength is given in feet per cycle. If the metric system is used and the velocity
(expressed in meters per second) is divided by the frequency (expressed in cycles per
second), the wavelength is given in meters per cycle. Be sure to express both the
wavelength and the frequency in the same units. (Feet per cycle and meters per cycle are
normally abbreviated as feet or meters because one wavelength indicates one cycle.)
Because this equation holds true for both transverse and longitudinal waves, it is used in
the study of both electromagnetic waves and sound waves.
Consider the following example. Two cycles of a wave pass a fixed point every second,
and the velocity of the wave train is 4 feet per second. What is the wavelength? The
formula for determining wavelength is as follows:
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NOTE: In problems of this kind, be sure NOT to confuse wave velocity with frequency.
FREQUENCY is the number of cycles per unit of time (Hz). WAVE VELOCITY is the
speed with which a wave train passes a fixed point.
Here is another problem. If a wave has a velocity of 1,100 feet per second and a
wavelength of 30 feet, what is the frequency of the wave?
By transposing the general equation:
To find the velocity, rewrite the equation as:
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Let’s work one more problem, this time using the metric system.
Suppose the wavelength is 0.4 meters and the frequency is 12 kHz. What is the velocity?
Use the formula:
Other important characteristics of wave motion are reflection, refraction, diffraction, and
the Doppler effect. Big words, but the concept of each is easy to see. For ease of
understanding, we will explain the first two characteristics using light waves, and the last
two characteristics using sound waves. You should keep in mind that all waves react in a
similar manner.
Within mediums, such as air, solids, or gases, a wave travels in a straight line. When the
wave leaves the boundary of one medium and enters the boundary of a different medium,
the wave changes direction. For our purposes in this module, a boundary is an imaginary
line that separates one medium from another.
When a wave passes through one medium and encounters a medium having different
characteristics, three things can occur to the wave: (1) Some of the energy can be
reflected back into the initial medium; (2) some of the energy can be transmitted into the
second medium where it may continue at a different velocity; or (3) some of the energy
can be absorbed by the medium. In some cases, all three processes (reflection,
transmission, and absorption) may occur to some degree.
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1.3.6.1 Reflection
REFLECTION WAVES are simply waves that are neither transmitted nor absorbed, but
are reflected from the surface of the medium they encounter. If a wave is directed against
a reflecting surface, such as a mirror, it will reflect or "bounce" from the mirror. Refer to
figure 1-9. A wave directed toward the surface of the mirror is called the INCIDENT
wave. When the wave bounces off of the mirror, it becomes known as the REFLECTED
wave. An imaginary line perpendicular to the mirror at the point at which the incident
wave strikes the mirror’s surface is called the NORMAL, or perpendicular. The angle
between the incident wave and the normal is called the ANGLE OF INCIDENCE. The
angle between the reflected wave and the normal is called the ANGLE OF
REFLECTION.
Figure 1-9 Reflection of a wave
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If the reflecting surface is smooth and polished, the angle between the incident ray and
the normal will be the same as the angle between the reflected ray and the normal. This
conforms to the law of reflection which states: The angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection.
The amount of incident wave energy reflected from a given surface depends on the nature
of the surface and the angle at which the wave strikes the surface. As the angle of
incidence increases, the amount of wave energy reflected increases. The reflected energy
is the greatest when the wave is nearly parallel to the reflecting surface. When the
incident wave is perpendicular to the surface, more of the energy is transmitted into the
substance and less is reflected. At any incident angle, a mirror reflects almost all of the
wave energy, while a dull, black surface reflects very little.
Q11. What is the law of reflection?
Q12. When a wave is reflected from a surface, energy is transferred. When is the transfer
of energy greatest?
Q13. When is the transfer of energy minimum?
1.3.6.2 Refraction
When a wave passes from one medium into another medium that has a different velocity
of propagation, a change in the direction of the wave will occur. This changing of
direction as the wave enters the second medium is called REFRACTION. As in the
discussion of reflection, the wave striking the boundary (surface) is called the
INCIDENT WAVE, and the imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary is called the
NORMAL. The angle between the incident wave and the normal is called the ANGLE
OF INCIDENCE. As the wave passes through the boundary, it is bent either toward or
away from the normal. The angle between the normal and the path of the wave through
the second medium is the ANGLE OF REFRACTION.
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A light wave passing through a block of glass is shown in figure 1-10. The wave moves
from point A to B at a constant speed. This is the incident wave. As the wave penetrates
the glass boundary at point B, the velocity of the wave is slowed down. This causes the
wave to bend toward the normal. The wave then takes the path from point B to C through
the glass and becomes BOTH the refracted wave from the top surface and the incident
wave to the lower surface. As the wave passes from the glass to the air (the second
boundary), it is again refracted, this time away from the normal and takes the path from
point C to D. As the wave passes through the last boundary, its velocity increases to the
original velocity. As figure 1-10 shows, refracted waves can bend toward or away from
the normal. This bending depends on the velocity of the wave through each medium. The
broken line between points B and E is the path that the wave would travel if the two
mediums (air and glass) had the same density.
Figure 1-10 Refraction of a wave
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To summarize what figure 1-10 shows:
1. If the wave passes from a less dense medium to a more dense medium, it is bent
toward the normal, and the angle of refraction (r) is less than the angle of incidence (i).
2. If the wave passes from a more dense to a less dense medium, it is bent away from the
normal, and the angle of refraction (r1) is greater than the angle of incidence (i1).
You can more easily understand refraction by looking at figure 1-11. There is a plowed
field in the middle of a parade ground. Think of the incident wave as a company of
recruits marching four abreast at an angle across the parade ground to the plowed field,
then crossing the plowed field and coming out on the other side onto the parade ground
again. As the recruits march diagonally across the parade ground and begin to cross the
boundary onto the plowed field, the front line is slowed down. Because the recruits arrive
at the boundary at different times, they will begin to slow down at different times number
1 slows down first and number 4 slows down last in each line). The net effect is a
bending action. When the recruits leave the plowed field and reenter the parade ground,
the reverse action takes place.
Figure 1-11 Analogy of refraction
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Q14. A refracted wave occurs when a wave passes from one medium into another
medium. What determines the angle of refraction?
1.3.6.3 Diffraction
DIFFRACTION is the bending of the wave path when the waves meet an obstruction.
The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave. Higher frequency
waves are rarely diffracted in the normal world that surrounds us. Since light waves are
high frequency waves, you will rarely see light diffracted. You can, however, observe
diffraction in sound waves by listening to music. Suppose you are outdoors listening to a
band. If you step behind a solid obstruction, such as a brick wall, you will hear mostly
low notes. This is because the higher notes, having short wave lengths, undergo little or
no diffraction and pass by or over the wall without wrapping around the wall and
reaching your ears. The low notes, having longer wavelengths, wrap around the wall and
reach your ears. This leads to the general statement that lower frequency waves tend to
diffract more than higher frequency waves. Broadcast band (AM band) radio waves
(lower frequency waves) often travel over a mountain to the opposite side from their
source because of diffraction, while higher frequency TV and FM signals from the same
source tend to be stopped by the mountain.
1.3.6.4 Doppler Effect
The last, but equally important, characteristic of a wave that we will discuss is the
Doppler effect. The DOPPLER EFFECT is the apparent change in frequency or pitch
when a sound source moves either toward or away from the listener, or when the listener
moves either toward or away from the sound source. This principle, discovered by the
Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, applies to all wave motion.
The apparent change in frequency between the source of a wave and the receiver of the
wave is because of relative motion between the source and the receiver. To understand
the Doppler effect, first assume that the frequency of a sound from a source is held
constant. The wavelength of the sound will also remain constant. If both the source and
the receiver of the sound remain stationary, the receiver will hear the same frequency
sound produced by the source. This is because the receiver is receiving the same number
of waves per second that the source is producing. Now, if either the source or the receiver
or both move toward the other, the receiver will perceive a higher frequency sound. This
is because the receiver will receive a greater number of sound waves per second and
interpret the greater number of waves as a higher frequency sound. Conversely, if the
source and the receiver are moving apart, the receiver will receive a smaller number of
sound waves per second and will perceive a lower frequency sound. In both cases, the
frequency of the sound produced by the source will have remained constant.
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For example, the frequency of the whistle on a fast-moving train sounds increasingly
higher in pitch as the train is approaching than when the train is departing. Although the
whistle is generating sound waves of a constant frequency, and though they travel
through the air at the same velocity in all directions, the distance between the
approaching train and the listener is decreasing. As a result, each wave has less distance
to travel to reach the observer than the wave preceding it. Thus, the waves arrive with
decreasing intervals of time between them.
These apparent changes in frequency, called the Doppler effect, affect the operation of
equipment used to detect and measure wave energy. In dealing with electromagnetic
wave propagation, the Doppler principle is used in equipment such as radar, target
detection, weapons control, navigation, and sonar.
Q15. The apparent change in frequency or pitch because of motion is explained by what
effect?
1.4 SOUND WAVES
The study of sound is important because of the role sound plays in the depth finding
equipment (fathometer) and underwater detection equipment (sonar) used by the Navy.
As you know, sound travels through a medium by wave motion. Although sound waves
and the electromagnetic waves used in the propagation of radio and radar differ, both
types of waves have many of the same characteristics. Studying the principles of sound-
wave motion will help you understand the actions of both sound waves and the more
complex radio and radar electromagnetic waves. The major differences among sound
waves, heat waves, and light waves are (1) their frequencies; (2) their types; the mediums
through which they travel; and the velocities at which they travel.
1.4.1 Sound—What Is It?
The word SOUND is used in everyday speech to signify a variety of things. One
definition of sound is the sensation of hearing. Another definition refers to a stimulus that
is capable of producing the sensation of hearing. A third definition limits sound to what is
actually heard by the human ear.
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In the study of physics, sound is defined as a range of compression-wave frequencies to
which the human ear is sensitive. For the purpose of this chapter, however, we need to
broaden the definition of sound to include compression waves that are not always audible
to the human ear. To distinguish frequencies in the audible range from those outside that
range, the words SONIC, ULTRASONIC, and INFRASONIC are used. Sounds capable
of being heard by the human ear are called SONICS. The normal hearing range extends
from about 20 to 20,000 hertz. However, to establish a standard sonic range, the Navy
has set an arbitrary upper limit for sonics at 10,000 hertz and a lower limit at 15 hertz.
Even though the average person can hear sounds above 10,000 hertz, it is standard
practice to refer to sounds above that frequency as ultrasonic. Sounds between 15 hertz
and 10,000 hertz are called sonic, while sounds below 15 hertz are known as infrasonic
(formerly referred to as subsonic) sounds.
Q16. What term describes sounds capable of being heard by the human ear?
Q17. Are all sounds audible to the human ear? Why?
1.4.2 Requirements for Sound
Recall that sound waves are compression waves. The existence of compression waves
depends on the transfer of energy. To produce vibrations that become sounds, a
mechanical device (the source) must first receive an input of energy. Next, the device
must be in contact with a medium that will receive the sound energy and carry it to a
receiver. If the device is not in contact with a medium, the energy will not be transferred
to a receiver, and there will be no sound.
Thus, three basic elements for transmission and reception of sound must be present
before a sound can be produced. They are (1) the source (or transmitter), (2) a medium
for carrying the sound (air, water, metal, etc.), and (3) the detector (or receiver).
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A simple experiment provides convincing evidence that a medium must be present if
sound is to be transferred. In figure 1-12, an electric bell is suspended by rubber bands in
a bell jar from which the air can be removed. An external switch is connected from a
battery to the bell so the bell may be rung intermittently. As the air is pumped out, the
sound from the bell becomes weaker and weaker. If a perfect vacuum could be obtained,
and if no sound were conducted out of the jar by the rubber bands, the sound from the
bell would be completely inaudible. In other words, sound cannot be transmitted through
a vacuum. When the air is admitted again, the sound is as loud as it was at the beginning.
This experiment shows that when air is in contact with the vibrating bell, it carries energy
to the walls of the jar, which in turn are set in vibration. Thus, the energy passes into the
air outside of the jar and then on to the ear of the observer. This experiment illustrates
that sound cannot exist in empty space (or a vacuum).
Any object that moves rapidly back and forth, or vibrates, and thus disturbs the medium
around it may be considered a source for sound. Bells, speakers, and stringed instruments
are familiar sound sources.
Figure 1-12 No air, no sound
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The material through which sound waves travel is called the medium. The density of the
medium determines the ease, distance, and speed of sound transmission. The higher the
density of the medium, the slower sound travels through it.
The detector acts as the receiver of the sound wave. Because it does not surround the
source of the sound wave, the detector absorbs only part of the energy from the wave and
sometimes requires an amplifier to boost the weak signal.
As an illustration of what happens if one of these three elements is not present, let’s refer
to our experiment in which a bell was placed in a jar containing a vacuum. You could see
the bell being struck, but you could hear no sound because there was no medium to
transmit sound from the bell to you. Now let’s look at another example in which the third
element, the detector, is missing. You see a source (such as an explosion) apparently
producing a sound, and you know the medium (air) is present, but you are too far away to
hear the noise. Thus, as far as you are concerned, there is no detector and, therefore, no
sound. We must assume, then, that sound can exist only when a source transmits sound
through a medium, which passes it to a detector. Therefore, in the absence of any one of
the basic elements (source, medium, detector) there can be NO sound.
Q18. Sound waves transmitted from a source are sometimes weak when they reach the
detector. What instrument is needed to boost the weak signal?
1.4.3 Terms Used In Sound Waves
Sound waves vary in length according to their frequency. A sound having a long
wavelength is heard at a low pitch (low frequency); one with a short wavelength is heard
at a high pitch (high frequency). A complete wavelength is called a cycle. The distance
from one point on a wave to the corresponding point on the next wave is a wavelength.
The number of cycles per second (hertz) is the frequency of the sound. The frequency of
a sound wave is also the number of vibrations per second produced by the sound source.
Q19. What are the three basic requirements for sound?
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1.4.4 Characteristics of Sound
Sound waves travel at great distances in a very short time, but as the distance increases
the waves tend to spread out. As the sound waves spread out, their energy simultaneously
spreads through an increasingly larger area. Thus, the wave energy becomes weaker as
the distance from the source is increased.
Sounds may be broadly classified into two general groups. One group is NOISE, which
includes sounds such as the pounding of a hammer or the slamming of a door. The other
group is musical sounds, or TONES. The distinction between noise and tone is based on
the regularity of the vibrations, the degree of damping, and the ability of the ear to
recognize components having a musical sequence. You can best understand the physical
difference between these kinds of sound by comparing the waveshape of a musical note,
depicted in view A of figure 1-13, with the waveshape of noise, shown in view B. You
can see by the comparison of the two waveshapes, that noise makes a very irregular and
haphazard curve and a musical note makes a uniform and regular curve.
Figure 1-13 Musical sound versus noise
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Sound has three basic characteristics: pitch, intensity, and quality. Each of these three
characteristics is associated with one of the properties of the source or the type of waves
which it produces. The pitch depends upon the frequency of the waves; the intensity
depends upon the amplitude of the waves; and the quality depends upon the form of the
waves. With the proper combination of these characteristics, the tone is pleasant to the
ear. With the wrong combination, the sound quality turns into noise.
1.4.4.1 The Pitch of Sound
The term PITCH is used to describe the frequency of a sound. An object that vibrates
many times per second produces a sound with a high pitch, as with a police whistle. The
slow vibrations of the heavier strings of a violin cause a low-pitched sound. Thus, the
frequency of the wave determines pitch. When the frequency is low, sound waves are
long; when it is high, the waves are short. A sound can be so high in frequency that the
waves reaching the ear cannot be heard. Likewise, some frequencies are so low that the
eardrums do not convert them into sound. The range of sound that the human ear can
detect varies with each individual.
1.4.4.2 The Intensity of Sound
The intensity of sound, at a given distance, depends upon the amplitude of the waves.
Thus, a tuning fork gives out more energy in the form of sound when struck hard than
when struck gently. You should remember that when a tuning fork is struck, the sound is
omnidirectional (heard in all directions), because the sound waves spread out in all
directions, as shown in figure 1-14. You can see from the figure that as the distance
between the waves and the sound source increases, the energy in each wave spreads over
a greater area; hence, the intensity of the sound decreases. The speaking tubes sometimes
used aboard a ship prevent the sound waves from spreading in all directions by
concentrating them in one desired direction (unidirectional), producing greater intensity.
Therefore, the sound is heard almost at its original intensity at the opposite end of the
speaking tube. The unidirectional megaphone and the directional loudspeaker also
prevent sound waves from spreading in all directions.
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Sound intensity and loudness are often mistakenly interpreted as having the same
meaning. Although they are related, they are not the same. Sound INTENSITY is a
measure of the sound energy of a wave. LOUDNESS, on the other hand, is the sensation
the intensity (and sometimes frequency) the sound wave produces on the ear. Increasing
the intensity causes an increase in loudness but not in a direct proportion. For instance,
doubling the loudness of a sound requires about a tenfold increase in the intensity of the
sound.
1.4.4.3 Sound Quality
Most sounds, including musical notes, are not pure tones. They are a mixture of different
frequencies (tones). A tuning fork, when struck, produces a pure tone of a specific
frequency. This pure tone is produced by regular vibrations of the source (tines of the
tuning fork). On the other hand, scraping your fingernails across a blackboard only
creates noise, because the vibrations are irregular. Each individual pipe of a pipe organ is
similar to a tuning fork, and each pipe produces a tone of a specific frequency. But
sounding two or more pipes at the same time produces a complex waveform. A tone that
closely imitates any of the vowel sounds can be produced by selecting the proper pipes
and sounding them at the same time. Figure 1-15 illustrates the combining of two pure
tones to make a COMPLEX WAVE.
Figure 1-14 Sound waves spread in all directions
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The QUALITY of a sound depends on the complexity of its sound waves, such as the
waves shown in tone C of figure 1-15. Almost all sounds (musical and vocal included)
have complicated (complex) waveforms. Tone A is a simple wave of a specific frequency
that can be produced by a tuning fork, piano, organ, or other musical instrument. Tone B
is also a simple wave but at a different frequency. When the two tones are sounded
together, the complex waveform in tone C is produced. Note that tone C has the same
frequency as tone A with an increase in amplitude. The human ear could easily
distinguish between tone A and tone C because of the quality. Therefore, we can say that
quality distinguishes tones of like pitch and loudness when sounded on different types of
musical instruments. It also distinguishes the voices of different persons.
Q20. What are the two general groups of sound?
Q21. What are the three basic characteristics of sound?
Q22. What is the normal audible range of the human ear?
Q23. What is intensity as it pertains to sound?
Q24. What characteristic of sound enables a person to distinguish one musical
instrument from another, if they are all playing the same note?
Figure 1-15 Combination of tones
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1.5 ELASTICITY AND DENSITY AND VELOCITY OF TRANSMISSION
Sound waves travel through any medium to a velocity that is controlled by the medium.
Varying the frequency and intensity of the sound waves will not affect the speed of
propagation. The ELASTICITY and DENSITY of a medium are the two basic physical
properties that govern the velocity of sound through the medium.
Elasticity is the ability of a strained body to recover its shape after deformation, as from a
vibration or compression. The measure of elasticity of a body is the force it exerts to
return to its original shape.
The density of a medium or substance is the mass per unit volume of the medium or
substance. Raising the temperature of the medium (which decreases its density) has the
effect of increasing the velocity of sound through the medium.
The velocity of sound in an elastic medium is expressed by the formula:
Even though solids such as steel and glass are far more dense than air, their elasticity’s
are so much greater that the velocities of sound in them are 15 times greater than the
velocity of sound in air. Using elasticity as a rough indication of the speed of sound in a
given medium, we can state as a general rule that sound travels faster in harder materials
(such as steel), slower in liquids, and slowest in gases. Density has the opposite effect on
the velocity of sound, that is, with other factors constant, a denser material (such as lead)
passes sound slower.
At a given temperature and atmospheric pressure, all sound waves travel in air at the
same speed. Thus the velocity that sound will travel through air at 32º F (0º C) is 1,087
feet per second. But for practical purposes, the speed of sound in air may be considered
as 1,100 feet per second. Table 1-1 gives a comparison of the velocity of sound in various
mediums.
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MEDIUM TEMPERATURE VELOCITY
ºF ºC (FT/SEC)
AIR 32 0 1,087
AIR 68 20 1,127
ALUMINUM 68 20 16,700
CARBON
DIOXIDE
32 0 856
FRESH WATER 32 0 4,629
FRESH WATER 68 20 4,805
HYDROGEN 32 0 4,219
LEAD 32 20 4,030
SALT WATER 32 0 4,800
SALT WATER 68 20 4,953
STEEL 32 0 16,410
STEEL 68 20 16,850
Table 1-1 Comparison of Velocity of Sound in Various Mediums
Q25. How does density and temperature affect the velocity of sound?
1.6 ACOUSTICS
The science of sound is called ACOUSTICS. This subject could fill volumes of technical
books, but we will only scratch the surface in this chapter. We will present important
points that you will need for a better understanding of sound waves.
Acoustics, like sound, relates to the sense of hearing. It also deals with the production,
control, transmission, reception, and the effects of sound. For the present, we are
concerned only with the last relationship—the effects of sound. These same effects will
be used throughout your study of wave propagation.
1.6.1 Echo
An ECHO is the reflection of the original sound wave as it bounces off a distant surface.
Just as a rubber ball bounces back when it is thrown against a hard surface, sound waves
also bounce off most surfaces. As you have learned from the study of the law of
conservation of energy, a rubber ball never bounces back with as much energy as the
initial bounce. Similarly, a reflected sound wave is not as loud as the original sound
wave. In both cases, some of the energy is absorbed by the reflecting surface. Only a
portion of the original sound is reflected, and only a portion of the reflected sound returns
to the listener. For this reason, an echo is never as loud as the original sound.
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Sound reflections (echoes) have many applications in the Navy. The most important of
these applications can be found in the use of depth finding equipment (the fathometer)
and sonar. The fathometer sends sound-wave pulses from the bottom of the ship and
receives echoes from the ocean floor to indicate the depth of the ocean beneath the ship.
The sonar transmits a pulse of sound energy and receives the echo to indicate range and
bearing of objects or targets in the ocean depths.
1.6.2 Refraction
When sound waves traveling at different velocities pass obliquely (at an angle) from one
medium into another, the waves are refracted; that is, their line of travel is bent.
Refraction occurs gradually when one part of a sound wave is traveling faster than the
other parts. For example, the wind a few feet above the surface of the earth has a greater
velocity than that near the surface because friction retards the lower layers (see figure 1-
16). The velocity of the wind is added to the velocity of the sound through the air. The
result is that the upper portion of the sound wave moves faster than the lower portion and
causes a gradual change in the direction of travel of the wave. Refraction causes sound to
travel farther with the wind than against it.
Figure 1-16 Refraction of sound
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1.6.3 Reverberation
In empty rooms or other confined spaces, sound may be reflected several times to cause
what is known as reverberation. REVERBERATION is the multiple reflections of sound
waves. Reverberations seem to prolong the time during which a sound is heard. Examples
of this often occur in nature. For instance, the discharge of lightning causes a sharp, quick
sound. By the time this sound has reached the ears of a distant observer, it is usually
drawn out into a prolonged roar by reverberations that we call thunder. A similar case
often arises with underwater sound equipment. Reverberations from nearby points may
continue for such a long time that they interfere with the returning echoes from targets.
1.6.4 Interference
Any disturbance, man-made or natural, that causes an undesirable response or the
degradation of a wave is referred to as INTERFERENCE.
Two sound waves moving simultaneously through the same medium will advance
independently, each producing a disturbance as if the other were not present. If the two
waves have the same frequency—in phase with each other — and are moving in the same
direction, they are additive and are said to interfere constructively. If the two waves have
the same frequency and are moving in the same direction, but out of phase with each
other, they are subtractive and are said to interfere destructively. If these two subtractive
waves have equal amplitudes, the waves cancel each other. This addition or subtraction
of waves is often called interference.
1.6.5 Resonance
At some time during your life you probably observed someone putting his or her head
into an empty barrel or other cavity and making noises varying in pitch. When that
person's voice reached a certain pitch, the tone produced seemed much louder than the
others. The reason for this phenomenon is that at that a certain pitch the frequency of
vibrations of the voice matched the resonant (or natural) frequency of the cavity. The
resonant frequency of a cavity is the frequency at which the cavity body will begin to
vibrate and create sound waves. When the resonant frequency of the cavity was reached,
the sound of the voice was reinforced by the sound waves created by the cavity, resulting
in a louder tone.
This phenomenon occurs whenever the frequency of vibrations is the same as the natural
frequency of a cavity, and is called RESONANCE.
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1.6.6 Noise
The most complex sound wave that can be produced is noise. Noise has no tonal quality.
It distracts and distorts the sound quality that was intended to be heard. NOISE is
generally an unwanted disturbance caused by spurious waves originating from man-made
or natural sources, such as a jet breaking the sound barrier, or thunder.
Q26. What term is used in describing the science of sound?
Q27. A sound wave that is reflected back toward the source is known as what type of
sound?
Q28. What is the term for multiple reflections of sound waves?
Q29. A cavity that vibrates at its natural frequency produces a louder sound than at other
frequencies. What term is used to describe this phenomenon?
Q30. What do we call a disturbance that distracts or distorts the quality of sound?
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1.7 LIGHT WAVES
Technicians maintain equipment that use frequencies from one end of the
electromagnetic spectrum to the other—from low -frequency radio waves to high-
frequency X-rays and cosmic rays. Visible light is a small but very important part of this
electromagnetic spectrum.
Most of the important terms that pertain to the behavior of waves, such as reflection,
refraction, diffraction, etc., were discussed earlier in this chapter. We will now discuss
how these terms are used in understanding light and light waves. The relationship
between light and light waves (rays) is the same as sound and sound waves.
Light is a form of energy. It can be produced by various means (mechanical, electrical,
chemical, etc.). We can see objects because the light rays they give off or reflect reach
our eyes. If the object is the source of light energy, it is called luminous. If the object is
not the source of light but reflects light, it is called an illuminated body.
1.7.1 Propagation of Light
The exact nature of light is not fully understood, although scientists have been studying
the subject for many centuries. Some experiments seem to show that light is composed of
tiny particles, and some suggest that it is made up of waves.
One theory after another attracted the approval and acceptance of physicists. Today, some
scientific phenomena can be explained only by the wave theory and others only by the
particle theory. Physicists, constantly searching for some new discovery that would bring
these two theories into agreement, gradually have come to accept a theory that combines
the principles of the two theories.
According to the view now generally accepted, light is a form of electromagnetic
radiation; that is, light and similar forms of radiation are made up of moving electric and
magnetic fields. These two fields will be explained thoroughly later in this chapter.
1.7.2 Electromagnetic Theory of Light
James Clark Maxwell, a brilliant Scottish scientist of the middle l9th century, showed, by
constructing an oscillating electrical circuit that electromagnetic waves could move
through empty space. Light eventually was proved to be electromagnetic.
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Current light theory says that light is made up of very small packets of electromagnetic
energy called PHOTONS (the smallest unit of radiant energy). These photons move at a
constant speed in the medium through which they travel. Photons move at a faster speed
through a vacuum than they do in the atmosphere, and at a slower speed through water
than air.
The electromagnetic energy of light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Light and
similar forms of radiation are made up of moving electric and magnetic forces and move
as waves. Electromagnetic waves move in a manner similar to the waves produced by the
pebble dropped in the pool of water discussed earlier in this chapter. The transverse
waves of light from a light source spread out in expanding circles much like the waves in
the pool. However, the waves in the pool are very slow and clumsy in comparison with
light, which travels approximately 186,000 miles per second.
Light radiates from its source in all directions until absorbed or diverted by some
substance (fig. 1-17). The lines drawn from the light source (a light bulb in this instance)
to any point on one of these waves indicate the direction in which the waves are moving.
These lines, called radii of the spheres, are formed by the waves and are called LIGHT
RAYS.
Although single rays of light do not exist, light "rays" as used in illustrations are a
convenient method used to show the direction in which light is traveling at any point.
Figure 1-17 Waves and radii from a nearby light source
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A large volume of light is called a beam; a narrow beam is called a pencil; and the
smallest portion of a pencil is called a light ray. A ray of light can be illustrated as a
straight line. This straight line drawn from a light source will represent an infinite number
of rays radiating in all directions from the source.
Q31. What are three means of producing light?
Q32. What is the smallest unit of radiant energy?
1.7.3 Frequencies and Wavelengths
Compared to sound waves, the frequency of light waves is very high and the wavelength
is very short. To measure these wavelengths more conveniently, a special unit of measure
called an ANGSTROM UNIT, or more usually, an ANGSTROM ) was devised.
Another common unit is used to measure these waves is the millimicron which is one
millionth of a millimeter. One mF equals ten angstroms. One angstrom equals 1055-10m.
Q33. What unit is used to measure the different wavelengths of light?
1.7.4 Frequencies and Color
For our discussion of light wave waves, we will use the millimicron measurement. The
wavelength of a light determines the color of the light. Figure 1-18 indicates that light
with a wavelength of 700 millimicrons is red, and that light with a wavelength of 500
millimicrons is blue-green. This illustration shows approximate wavelengths of the
different colors in the visible spectrum. In actual fact, the color of light depends on its
frequency, not its wavelength. However, light is measured in wavelengths.
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When the wavelength of 700 millimicrons is measured in a medium such as air, it
produces the color red, but the same wave measured in a different medium will have a
different wavelength. When red light which has been traveling in air enters glass, it loses
speed. Its wavelength becomes shorter or compressed, but it continues to be red. This
illustrates that the color of light depends on frequency and not on wavelength. The color
scale in figure 1-18 is based on the wavelengths in air.
When a beam of white light (sunlight) is passed through a PRISM, as shown in figure 1-
18, it is refracted and dispersed (the phenomenon is known as DISPERSION) into its
component wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths causes a different reaction of the eye,
which sees the various colors that compose the visible spectrum. The visible spectrum is
recorded as a mixture of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. White light
results when the PRIMARIES (red, green, and blue) are mixed together in overlapping
beams of light. (NOTE: These are not the primaries used in mixing pigments, such as in
paint.) Furthermore, the COMPLEMENTARY or SECONDARY colors (magenta,
yellow, and cyan) may be shown with equal ease by mixing any two of the primary
colors in overlapping beams of light. Thus, red and green light mixed in equal intensities
will make yellow light; green and blue will produce cyan (blue-green light); and blue and
red correctly mixed will produce magenta (a purplish red light).
Figure 1-18 Use of a prism to split white light into different colors
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1.7.5 Light and Color
All objects absorb some of the light that falls on them. An object appears to be a certain
color because it absorbs all of the light waves except those whose frequency corresponds
to that particular color. Those waves are reflected from the surface, strike your eye, and
cause you to see the particular color. The color of an object therefore depends on the
frequency of the electromagnetic wave reflected.
1.7.6 Luminous Bodies
Certain bodies, such as the sun, a gas flame, and an electric light filament, are visible
because they are light sources. They are called SELF-LUMINOUS bodies. Objects other
than self-luminous bodies become visible only when they are in the presence of light
from luminous bodies.
Most NONLUMINOUS bodies are visible because they diffuse or reflect the light that
falls on them. A good example of a nonluminous diffusing body is the moon, which
shines only because the sunlight falling onto its surface is diffused.
Black objects do not diffuse or reflect light. They are visible only when outlined against a
background of light from a luminous or diffusing body.
1.7.7 Properties of Light
When light waves, which travel in straight lines, encounter any substance, they are either
transmitted, refracted, reflected, or absorbed. This is illustrated in figure 1-19. When light
strikes a substance, some absorption and some reflection always take place. No substance
completely transmits, reflects, or absorbs all of the light rays that reach its surface.
Substances that transmit almost all the light waves that fall upon them are said to be
TRANSPARENT. A transparent substance is one through which you can see clearly.
Clear glass is transparent because it transmits light rays without diffusing them (view A
of figure 1-20). There is no known perfectly transparent substance, but many substances
are nearly so. Substances through which some light rays can pass but through which
objects cannot be seen clearly because the rays are diffused are called TRANSLUCENT
(view B of figure 1-20). The frosted glass of a light bulb and a piece of oiled paper are
examples of translucent materials. Substances that do not transmit any light rays are
called OPAQUE (view C of figure 1-20). Opaque substances can either reflect or absorb
all of the light rays that fall upon them.
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Figure 1-19 Light waves reflected, absorbed, and transmitted
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Q34. What are the three primary colors of light?
Q35. What are the three secondary colors of light?
Q36. White light falls upon a dull, rough, dark-brown object. Will the light primarily be
reflected, diffused, or absorbed by the object?
Figure 1-20 Transparent,
translucent, and opaque
substances
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Q37. What color will be emitted by a dull, rough, black object when white light falls upon
it?
Q38. A substance that transmits light but through which an object cannot be seen clearly
is known as what kind of substance?
1.7.7.1 Speed of Light
You probably have heard people say, "quick as lightning" or "fast as light" to describe
rapid motion; nevertheless, it is difficult to realize how fast light actually travels. Not
until recent years have scientists been able to measure accurately the speed of light.
Prior to the middle 17th century, scientists thought that light required no time at all to
pass from the source to the observer. Then in 1675, Ole Roemer, a Danish astronomer,
discovered that light travels approximately 186,000 miles per second in space. At this
velocity, a light beam can circle the earth 7 ½ times in one second.
The speed of light depends on the medium through which the light travels. In empty
space, the speed is 186,000 (1.86 × 105) miles per second. It is almost the same in air. In
water, it slows down to approximately 140,000 (1.4 × 105) miles per second. In glass, the
speed of light is 124,000 (1.24 × 10 5) miles per second. In other words, the speed of light
decreases as the density of the substance through which the light passes increases.
The velocity of light, which is the same as the velocity of other electromagnetic waves, is
considered to be constant, at 186,000 miles per second. If expressed in meters, it is
300,000,000 meters per second.
1.7.7.2 Reflection of Light
Light waves obey the law of reflection in the same manner as other types of waves.
Consider the straight path of a light ray admitted through a narrow slit into a darkened
room. The straight path of the beam is made visible by illuminated dust particles
suspended in the air. If the light beam is made to fall onto the surface of a mirror or other
reflecting surface, however, the direction of the beam changes sharply. The light can be
reflected in almost any direction depending on the angle at which the mirror is held.
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As shown earlier in figure 1-9, if a light beam strikes a mirror, the angle at which the
beam is reflected depends on the angle at which it strikes the mirror. The beam
approaching the mirror is the INCIDENT or striking beam, and the beam leaving the
mirror is the REFLECTED beam.
The term "reflected light" simply refers to light waves that are neither transmitted nor
absorbed, but are thrown back from the surface of the medium they encounter.
You will see this application used in our discussion of radio waves (chapter 2) and
antennas (chapter 4).
Q39. At what speed does light travel?
1.7.7.3 Refraction of Light
The change of direction that occurs when a ray of light passes from one transparent
substance into another of different density is called refraction. Refraction is due to the
fact that light travels at various speeds in different transparent substances. For example,
water never appears as deep as it really is, and objects under water appear to be closer to
the surface than they really are. A bending of the light rays causes these impressions.
Another example of refraction is the apparent bending of a spoon when it is immersed in
a cup of water. The bending seems to take place at the surface of the water, or exactly at
the point where there is a change of density. Obviously, the spoon does not bend from the
pressure of the water. The light forming the image of the spoon is bent as it passes from
the water (a medium of high density) to the air (a medium of comparatively low density).
Without refraction, light waves would pass in straight lines through transparent
substances without any change of direction. Refer back to figure 1-10, which shows
refraction of a wave. As you can see, all rays striking the glass at any angle other than
perpendicular are refracted. However, the perpendicular ray, which enters the glass
normal to the surface, continues through the glass and into the air in a straight line no
refraction takes place.
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1.7.7.4 Diffusion of Light
When light is reflected from a mirror, the angle of reflection of each ray equals the angle
of incidence. When light is reflected from a piece of plain white paper, however, the
reflected beam is scattered, or DIFFUSED, as shown in figure 1-21. Because the surface
of the paper is not smooth, the reflected light is broken up into many light beams that are
reflected in all directions.
1.7.7.5 Absorption of Light
You have just seen that a light beam is reflected and diffused when it falls onto a piece of
white paper. If a light beam falls onto a piece of black paper, the black paper absorbs
most of the light rays and very little light is reflected from the paper. If the surface on
which the light beam falls is perfectly black, there is no reflection; that is, the light is
totally absorbed. No matter what kind of surface light falls on, however, some of the light
is absorbed.
Q40. A light wave enters a sheet of glass at a perfect right angle to the surface. Is the
majority of the wave reflected, refracted, transmitted, or absorbed?
Q41. When light strikes a piece of white paper, the light is reflected in all directions.
What do we call this scattering of light?
Figure 1-21 Diffusion of light
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1.8 COMPARISON OF LIGHT WAVES WITH SOUND WAVES
There are two main differences between sound waves and light waves. The first
difference is in velocity. Sound waves travel through air at the speed of approximately
1,100 feet per second; light waves travel through air and empty space at a speed of
approximately 186,000 miles per second. The second difference is that sound is
composed of longitudinal waves (alternate compressions and expansions of matter) and
light is composed of transverse waves in an electromagnetic field.
Although both are forms of wave motion, sound requires a solid, liquid, or gaseous
medium; whereas light travels through empty space. The denser the medium, the greater
the speed of sound. The opposite is true of light. Light travels approximately one-third
slower in water than in air. Sound travels through all substances, but light cannot pass
through opaque materials.
Frequency affects both sound and light. A certain range of sound frequencies produces
sensations that you can hear. A slow vibration (low frequency) in sound gives the
sensation of a low note. A more rapid sound vibration (higher frequency) produces a
higher note. Likewise, a certain range of light frequencies produces sensations that you
can see. Violet light is produced at the high-frequency end of the light spectrum, while
red light is produced at the low-frequency end of the light spectrum. A change in
frequency of sound waves causes an audible sensation—a difference in pitch. A change
in the frequency of a light wave causes a visual sensation—a d ifference in color.
For a comparison of light waves with sound waves, see table 1-2.
SOUND WAVES LIGHT WAVES
VELOCITY IN AIR APPROXIMATELY 1,100 FEET
PER SECOND
APPROXIMATELY 186,000
MILES PER SECOND
FORM A FORM OF WAVE MOTION A FORM OF WAVE MOTION
WAVE COMPOSITION LONGITUDINAL TRANSVERSE
TRANSMITTING MEDIUM ALL SUBSTANCES EMPTY SPACE AND ALL
SUBSTANCES EXCEPT
OPAQUE MATERIALS
RELATION OF
TRANSMITTING MEDIUM
THE DENSER THE MEDIUM,
THE GREATER THE SPEED
THE DENSER THE MEDIUM,
THE SLOWER THE SPEED
VELOCITY TO VELOCITY
SENSATIONS PRODUCED
HEARING SEEING
VARIATIONS IN
SENSATIONS PRODUCED
A LOW FREQUENCY CAUSES
A LOW NOTE; A HIGH
FREQUENCY, A HIGH NOTE
A LOW FREQUENCY CAUSES
RED LIGHT; A HIGH
FREQUENCY, VIOLET LIGHT
Table 1-2 Comparison of Light Waves and Sound Waves
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Q42. What three examples of electromagnetic energy are mentioned in the text?
Q43. What is the main difference between the bulk of the electromagnetic spectrum and
the visual spectrum?
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1.9 ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Light is one kind of electromagnetic energy. There are many other types, including heat
energy and radio energy. The only difference between the various types of
electromagnetic energy is the frequency of their waves (rate of vibration). The term
SPECTRUM is used to designate the entire range of electromagnetic waves arranged in
order of their frequencies. The VISIBLE SPECTRUM contains only those waves which
stimulate the sense of sight. You, as a technician, might be expected to maintain
equipment that uses electromagnetic waves within, above, and below the visible
spectrum.
There are neither sharp dividing lines nor gaps in the ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM. Figure 1-22 illustrates how portions of the electromagnetic spectrum
overlap. Notice that only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum contains visible
waves, or light, which can be seen by the human eye.
Figure 1-22 Electromagnetic spectrum
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1.10 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
In general, the same principles and properties of light waves apply to the communications
electromagnetic waves you are about to study. The electromagnetic field is used to
transfer energy (as communications) from point to point. We will introduce the basic
ANTENNA as the propagation source of these electromagnetic waves.
1.11 THE BASIC ANTENNA
The study of antennas and electromagnetic wave propagation is essential to a complete
understanding of radio communication, radar, loran, and other electronic systems. Figure
1-23 shows a simple radio communication system. In the illustration, the transmitter is an
electronic device that generates radio-frequency energy. The energy travels through a
transmission line (we will discuss this in chapter 3) to an antenna. The antenna converts
the energy into radio waves that radiate into space from the antenna at the speed of light.
The radio waves travel through the atmosphere or space until they are either reflected by
an object or absorbed. If another antenna is placed in the path of the radio waves, it
absorbs part of the waves and converts them to energy. This energy travels through
another transmission line and is fed to a receiver. From this example, you can see that the
requirements for a simple communications system are (1) transmitting equipment, (2)
transmission line, (3) transmitting antenna, (4) medium, (5) receiving antenna, and (6)
receiving equipment.
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An antenna is a conductor or a set of conductors used either to radiate electromagnetic
energy into space or to collect this energy from space. Figure 1-24 shows an antenna.
View A is a drawing of an actual antenna; view B is a cut-away view of the antenna; and
view C is a simplified diagram of the antenna.
Figure 1-23 Simple radio communication system
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1.12 COMPONENTS OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE
An electromagnetic wave consists of two primary components—an ELECTRIC FIELD
and a MAGNETIC FIELD. The electric field results from the force of voltage, and the
magnetic field results from the flow of current.
Figure 1-24 Antenna
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Although electromagnetic fields that are radiated are commonly considered to be waves,
under certain circumstances their behavior makes them appear to have some of the
properties of particles. In general, however, it is easier to picture electromagnetic
radiation in space as horizontal and vertical lines of force oriented at right angles to each
other. These lines of force are made up of an electric field (E) and a magnetic field (H),
which together make up the electromagnetic field in space.
The electric and magnetic fields radiated from an antenna form the electromagnetic field.
This field is responsible for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic energy
through free space. An antenna, however, is also part of the electrical circuit of a
transmitter or a receiver and is equivalent to a circuit containing inductance, capacitance,
and resistance. Therefore, the antenna can be expected to display definite voltage and
current relationships with respect to a given input. A current through the antenna
produces a magnetic field, and a charge on the antenna produces an electric field. These
two fields combine to form the INDUCTION field. To help you gain a better
understanding of antenna theory, we must review some basic electrical concepts. We will
review voltage and its electric field, current and its magnetic field, and their relationship
to propagation of electrical energy.
Q44. What are the two components (fields) that make up the electromagnetic wave?
Q45. What do we call a conductor (or set of conductors) that radiates electromagnetic
energy into space?
1.12.1 Electric Field
Around every electrically charged object is a force field that can be detected and
measured. This force field can cause electric charges to move in the field. When an object
is charged electrically, there is either a greater or a smaller concentration of electrons
than normal. Thus, a difference of potential exists between a charged object and an
uncharged object. An electric field is, therefore, associated with a difference of potential,
or a voltage.
This invisible field of force is commonly represented by lines that are drawn to show the
paths along which the force acts. The lines representing the electric field are drawn in the
direction that a single positive charge would normally move under the influence of that
field. A large electric force is shown by a large concentration of lines; a weak force is
indicated by a few lines.
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When a capacitor is connected across a source of voltage, such as a battery, it is charged
by a particular amount, depending on the voltage and the value of capacitance. (See
figure 1-25.) Because of the emf (electromotive force) of the battery, negative charges
flow to the lower plate, leaving the upper plate positively charged. Along with the growth
of charge, the electric field is also building up. The flux lines are directed from the
positive to the negative charges and at right angles to the plates. When the capacitor is
fully charged, the voltage of the capacitor is equal to the voltage of the source and
opposite in polarity. The charged capacitor stores the energy in the form of an electric
field. It can be said, therefore, that an electric field indicates voltage.
If the two plates of the capacitor are spread farther apart, the electric field must curve to
meet the plates at right angles (fig. 1-26). The straight lines in view A of figure 1-26
become arcs in view B, and approximately semicircles in view C, where the plates are in
a straight line. Instead of flat metal plates, as in the capacitor, the two elements can take
the form of metal rods or wires and form the basic antenna.
Figure 1-25 Electric fields between plates
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In figure 1-27, two rods replace the plates of the capacitor, and the battery is replaced by
an ac source generating a 60-hertz signal. On the positive alternation of the 60-hertz
generator, the electric field extends from the positively charged rod to the negatively
charged rod, as shown. On the negative alternation, the charge is reversed. The previous
explanation of electrons moving from one plate to the other of the capacitor in figure 1-
25 can also be applied to the rods in figure 1-27.
Figure 1-26 Electric fields
between plates at different
angles
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The polarity of charges and the direction of the electric fields will reverse polarity and
direction periodically at the frequency of the voltage source. The electric field will build
up from zero to maximum in one direction and then collapse back to zero. Next, the field
will build up to maximum in the opposite direction and then collapse back to zero. This
complete reversal occurs during a single cycle of the source voltage. The HALF-WAVE
DIPOLE ANTENNA (two separate rods in line as illustrated in figure 1-27) is the
fundamental element normally used as a starting point of reference in any discussion
concerning the radiation of electromagnetic energy into space. If rf energy from the ac
generator (or transmitter) is supplied to the element of an antenna, the voltage across the
antenna lags the current by 90 degrees. The antenna acts as if it were a capacitor.
Figure 1-27 Electric fields between elements
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1.12.2 Magnetic Field
When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is set up in the area
surrounding the conductor. In fact, any moving electrical charge will create a magnetic
field. The magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be detected and
measured. There are two other fields involved—an INDUCTION FIELD, which exists
close to the conductor carrying the current, and the RADIATION FIELD, which becomes
detached from the current-carrying rod and travels through space.
To represent the magnetic field, lines of force are again used to illustrate the energy.
Magnetic lines are not drawn between the rods, nor between high- and low-potential
points, as the E lines that were discussed earlier. Magnetic lines are created by the flow of
current rather than the force of voltage. The magnetic lines of force, therefore, are drawn
at right angles to the direction of current flow.
The magnetic fields that are set up around two parallel rods, as shown in figure 1-28 view
A, are in maximum opposition. Rod 1 contains a current flowing from the generator,
while rod 2 contains a current flowing toward the generator. As a result, the direction of
the magnetic field surrounding rod 1 is opposite the direction of the magnetic field
surrounding rod 2. This will cause cancellation of part or all of both magnetic fields with
a resultant decrease in radiation of the electromagnetic energy. View B illustrates the fact
that if the far ends of rods 1 and 2 are separated from each other while the rods are still
connected to the generator at the near ends, more space, and consequently less
opposition, will occur between the magnetic fields of the two rods. View C illustrates the
fact that placing the rods in line makes the currents through both rods flow in the same
direction. Therefore, the two magnetic fields are in the same direction; thus, maximum
electromagnetic radiation into space can be obtained.
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Magnetic lines of force are indicated by the letter H and are called H lines. The direction
of the magnetic lines may be determined by use of the left-hand rule for a conductor: If
you grasp the conductor in your left hand with the thumb extended in the direction of the
current flow, your fingers will point in the direction of the magnetic lines of force. In
view C of figure 1-28, the direction of current flow is upward along both halves of the
elements (conductors). The lines of magnetic force (flux) form concentric loops that are
perpendicular to the direction of current flow. The arrowheads on the loops indicate the
direction of the field. The left-hand rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic
field and is illustrated in figure 1-29. If the thumb of the left hand is extended in the
direction of current flow and the fingers clenched, then the rough circles formed by the
fingers indicate the direction of the magnetic field.
Figure 1-28 Magnetic fields around elements
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Q46. What do we call the field that is created between two rods when a voltage is applied
to them?
Q47. When current flows through a conductor, a field is created around the conductor.
What do we call this field?
Figure 1-29 Left-hand rule for conducting elements
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1.12.3 Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields
The generator, shown in figure 1-30, provides the voltage, which creates an electric field,
and current, which creates a magnetic field. This source voltage and current build up to
maximum values in one direction during one half-cycle, and then build up to maximum
values in the other direction during the next half-cycle. Both the electric and magnetic
fields alternate from minimum through maximum values in synchronization with the
changing voltage and current. The electric and magnetic fields reach their maximum
intensity a quarter-cycle apart. These fields form the induction field. Since the current
and voltage that produce these E and H fields are 90 degrees out of phase, the fields will
also be 90 degrees out of phase.
Figure 1-30 Relationship of E-lines, and current
flow
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Q48. An induction field is created around a conductor when current flows through it.
What do we call the field that detaches itself from the conductor and travels through
space?
1.13 SUMMARY
Now that you have completed this chapter, let’s review some of the new terms, concepts,
and ideas you have learned. You should have a thorough understanding of these
principles before moving on to chapter 2.
WAVE PROPAGATION is an invisible force that enables man to communicate over
long distances. Wave transmission can take many forms, such as LIGHT, SOUND, and
RADIO.
LIGHT is a form of wave motion that can be seen. Heat cannot normally be seen, but
can be felt. Radio waves cannot be seen or felt.
WAVE MOTION can be seen in action by throwing a pebble into a pool of still water.
The ripples that move toward the edge of the pool demonstrate the PROPAGATION
theory.
The TRANSVERSE WAVE is a type of wave motion. Radio, light, and heat waves are
examples of transverse waves.
The LONGITUDINAL WAVE is another type of wave motion. The sound wave is the
only example of a longitudinal wave given in this text.
SOURCE, MEDIUM, AND DETECTOR (RECEIVER) are the three requirements for
all wave motion.
A SOURCE can be anything that emits or expends energy (waves).
The MEDIUM is the vehicle for carrying waves from one point to another. Water, air,
metal, empty space, etc., are examples of a medium. Empty space is considered a
medium for electro-magnetic waves but not a medium for sound waves.
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The SOUND DETECTOR absorbs the waves emitted by the source. The human ear is
an example of a detector.
HERTZ, which is abbreviated Hz, is used in lieu of "cycle per second" when referring to
radio frequencies.
VELOCITY OF PROPAGATION is the speed (or rate) at which the crest of a wave
moves through a medium.
REFLECTION occurs when a wave strikes an object and bounces back (toward the
source). The wave that moves from the source to the object is called the INCIDENT
WAVE, and the wave that moves away from the object is called the REFLECTED
WAVE.
The LAW OF REFLECTION states:
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
REFRACTION occurs when a wave traveling through two different mediums passes
through the BOUNDARY of the mediums and bends toward or away from the
NORMAL.
DIFFRACTION can account for the ability of the AM radio waves (due to their low
frequency) to travel over a mountain, while FM and TV signals (due to their higher
frequencies) are blocked.
The DOPPLER EFFECT is the apparent change in frequency of a source as it moves
toward or away from a detector. It can affect the operation of equipment used to detect
and measure wave energy.
SOUND can be audible to the human ear or it can be outside the hearing range.
NOISE AND TONES are the two general groups that broadly classify ALL sounds.
PITCH, INTENSITY, AND QUALITY are the three basic characteristics of sound.
Pitch describes the frequency of sound. Intensity describes how much energy is
transmitted. Quality enables us to distinguish one sound from another.
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The DENSITY of a MEDIUM, TEMPERATURE, and ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE affect the velocity of sound. If temperature, density, or pressure increases,
the velocity of sound increases and vice versa.
ACOUSTICS is the science of sound and relates to the sense of hearing.
ECHO is an example of reflection. Sound echoes are used in sonar and depth finders to
determine or measure the range of an object or the depth of the ocean bottom.
REVERBERATION is the multiple reflections of sound waves. The prolonged roar of
thunder is caused by reverberations. With underwater sound equipment, reverberations of
nearby objects may interfere with returning echoes from actual targets.
INTERFERENCE occurs when two waves move simultaneously through a medium.
They can interfere constructively, destructively, or produce a resultant of zero.
RESONANCE occurs when an objects vibrates (or resonates) at its natural frequency.
When different frequencies are produced inside a cavity, the sound from the cavity
sounds louder at its resonant frequency than at all other frequencies.
NOISE is any disturbance that distracts from or distorts the quality of sound.
A PHOTON is the smallest unit of radiant energy that makes up light waves and radio
waves.
ANGSTROM units are used for measuring the wavelength of light. One angstrom =
1055-10 m.
The VISIBLE SPECTRUM contains all the colors between infrared and ultraviolet.
INFRA-RED and ULTRA-VIOLET are invisible to the human eye.
The PRIMARY COLORS of light are red, green, and blue. These primaries can be
mixed to make any color between red and violet. If the three colors are mixed equally,
they produce white light.
The COMPLEMENTARY COLORS of light are magenta, yellow, and cyan. They are
produced by mixing any two of the primary colors together in overlapping beams.
The SPEED OF LIGHT in empty space is considered to be 186,000 miles per second
(or 300,000,000 meters per second). This speed varies in different mediums, but the
constant of 186,000 miles per second is always used as the speed of light.
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The ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM is the complete range of electromagnetic
frequencies from 3 kHz to beyond 300,000 THz. Audio frequencies (15 Hz-20 kHz) are
not electromagnetic energy and are not included in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD consists of an ELECTRIC FIELD and a
MAGNETIC FIELD. These fields are responsible for the transmission and reception of
electromagnetic energy through free space.
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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q48.
A1. Propagation means spreading out.
A2. A wave is a disturbance which moves through a medium.
A3. A means of transferring energy from one place to another.
A4. Sound waves, light waves, radio waves, heat waves, water waves.
A5. Transverse waves.
A6. Radio waves, light waves, and heat waves.
A7. A sound wave.
A8. A source, medium, and detector (receiver).
A9. A sequence of events, such as the positive and negative alternation of electrical
current.
A10. The space occupied by one cycle of a radio wave at any given instant.
A11. The law of reflection states: The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection.
A12. When the incident wave is nearly parallel with the surface.
A13. When the incident wave is perpendicular to the surface. Also a dull (or black)
surface reflects very little regardless of the angle.
A14. The density of the two mediums, and the velocity of the waves.
A15. The Doppler effect.
A16. Sonics.
A17. No. The average human ear cannot hear all sounds in the infrasonic and ultrasonic
regions.
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A18. An amplifier.
A19. A source, medium, and detector (receiver).
A20. Noise and tones.
A21. Pitch, intensity, and quality.
A22. 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
A23. The amount of energy transmitted from a source.
A24. Quality.
A25. Velocity increases as density decreases and temperature increases.
A26. Acoustics.
A27. Echo.
A28. Reverberation.
A29. Resonance.
A30. Noise.
A31. Mechanical, electrical, and chemical.
A32. A photon.
A33. Angstrom unit.
A34. Red, green and blue.
A35. Magenta, yellow and cyan.
A36. Reflected or absorbed.
A37. None, all colors would be absorbed.
A38. Translucent.
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A39. 186,000 miles per second or 300,000,000 meters per second.
A40. Transmitted.
A41. Diffused.
A42. Light waves, heat waves, and radio waves.
A43. The visible spectrum can be seen.
A44. Electric field and magnetic field.
A45. An antenna.
A46. Electric field.
A47. Magnetic field.
A48. Radiation field.