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11/21/2017 Electromagnetic Spectrum

AM Radio Band
The Amplitude Modulated (AM) radio carrier frequencies are in the frequency range 535-
1605 kHz. The frequencies 30-535 kHz are used for maritime communication and
navigation and for aircraft navigation. Carrier frequencies of 540 to 1600 kHz are assigned
at 10 kHz intervals.
Index
Frequencies: 500-1500 kHz
Wavelengths: 600 - 200 m
Quantum energies: 2 - 6 x 10-9 eV

Electromagnetic spectrum AM and FM frequencies Radio frequency bands

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Short Wave
The frequencies from the top end of the AM band to the bottom of the VHF television band
are generally called the "short wave" range, a historical term. They are part of the general
range referred to as "radio frequencies" or RF. The range from 1605 kHz to 54 MHz has
multiple communication uses.
1,605 kHz - Amateur radio, government radio, international shortwave broadcast, fixed
30 MHz and mobile communications.
Government and non-government, fixed and mobile. Includes police, fire,
30-50 MHz
forestry, highway, and railroad services.
50-54 MHz Amateur Index

The RF frequency range around 40-50 MHz is important as the proton resonance frequency
range used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Frequencies: 1.605 - 54 MHz


Wavelengths: 187 - 5.55 m
Quantum energies: .66 x 10-8 - .22 x 10-6 eV

Electromagnetic spectrum

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11/21/2017 Electromagnetic Spectrum

TV and FM Radio Band


The carrier frequencies for VHF television Channels 2-4 cover the frequency range 54 to 72
MHz. There is a band from 72-76 MHz which is reserved for government and non-
government services, including a standard aeronautical beacon at 75 MHz. VHF TV
channels 5 and 6 are between 76 and 88 MHz. The FM radio band is from 88 to 108 MHz
between VHF television Channels 6 and 7.Above the FM is a range 108-122 MHz for
aeronautical navigation including localizers, radio ranging and airport control. From 122 to
174 MHz is another general service band for both government and non-government signals.
It includes fixed and mobile units and amateur broadcast. Channels 7 through 13 span the
frequency range 174-216 MHz. 216-470 MHz includes a number of fixed and mobile
communication modes, including some aeronautical navigation and citizens radio. 470-890
MHz includes UHF television channels 14 to 83. Frequencies 890-3000 MHz include a
variety of aeronautical and amateur uses, studio-transmitter relays, etc. There are radar
bands 1,300-1,600 MHz.

The FM stations are assigned center frequencies at 200 kHz separation starting at 88.1 MHz,
for a maximum of 100 stations. These FM stations have a 75 kHz maximum deviation from Index
the center frequency, which leaves 25 kHz upper and lower "gaurd bands" to minimize
interaction with the adjacent frequency band. Television channels have 5 MHz separation.

The frequency range for mobile cellular telephones is listed as 824.040 - 848.970 MHz.

Frequencies: 54-1600 MHz


Wavelengths: 5.55 m - 0.187 m
Quantum energies: 0.22 x 10-6 - 0.66 x 10-5 eV

L-Band for Satellite Communication

The range 390-1550 MHz in the ultrahigh radio frequency range is designated as the L-Band
and is used for a variety of satellite communication purposes.
For example, the Global Positioning System uses two carrier frequencies in this band for
broadcasting navigation data.
Electromagnetic spectrum AM and FM frequencies Radio frequency bands

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Index
Microwaves, Radar
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While there are some radar bands from 1,300 to 1,600 MHz, most microwave applications
fall in the range 3,000 to 30,000 MHz (3-30 GHz). Current microwave ovens operate at a
nominal frequency of 2450 MHz, a band assigned by the FCC. There are also some amateur
and radio navigation uses of the 3-30 GHz range. In interactions with matter, microwave
radiation primarily acts to produce molecular rotation and torsion, and microwave
absorption manifests itself by heat. Molecular structure information can be obtained from
the analysis of molecular rotational spectra, the most precise way to determine bond lengths
and angles of molecules. Microwave radiation is also used in electron spin resonance
spectroscopy.

For microwave ovens and some radar applications, the microwaves are produced by
magnetrons.

Of great astrophysical significance is the 3K background radiation in the universe, which is


in the microwave region. It has recently been mapped with great precision by the WMAP
probe.

Frequencies: 1.6-30 GHz


Wavelengths: 187 - 10 mm
Quantum energies: 0.66 x 10-5 - 0.12 x 10-3 eV

Electromagnetic spectrum

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Millimeter Waves, Telemetry


The range 30-300 GHz is used for a variety of experimental, government and amateur
purposes in communication.
Frequencies: 30-300 GHz
Index
Wavelengths: 10 - 1 mm
Quantum energies: 0.12 x 10-3 - 0.12 x 10-2 eV

Electromagnetic spectrum

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