Making Waves

Description

Though satellites and other communication technology share that data long radio waves, how exactly are those waves generated? And, once they are generated, how can humans recognize them as waves?

In this activity, students will build and use a simple radio wave generator.

Materials

Simple transistor radio, capable of receiving AM

2 25cm lengths of insulated wire

Metal fork

Tape, masking or electrical

1 C or D battery

Outline

1.      This activity can either be done by the students or by the educator for the entire class. Gather materials as needed.

2.      Tape one end of one length of wire to one end of the battery, and the end of the other length of wire to the other end of the battery.

3.      Take the other end of one of the lengths of wire and attach it to the handle end of the fork. Secure it with tape. Note: the copper of the wire has to be touching the metal of the fork

4.      Turn on the radio and switch it to AM. Turn the dial to the end so that only static is heard.

5.      Hold the fork by its handle close to the radio. Then, rub the bare copper of the other wire (attached only to the battery) across the tongs.

6.      If done correctly, a burst of static should be heard through the radio. A spark of light at the wire-tongs connection may also be seen.

Extended Activity

·        Gather a collection of simple objects to cover the radio with. Do any of them impact what you hear when using your electromagnetic wave generator?

·        Increase/ decrease the distance between the generator and the radio

·        Darken the room and try and observe the spark of light that also comes from the generator. “Map” out what waves students hear/ see on a picture of the electromagnetic spectrum (i.e. radio waves, visible light waves, etc.)