Noun
Radio frequency (RF) refers to the rate of oscillation within the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which occurs in alternating electric currents or electromagnetic waves.
Within this frequency range, energy can radiate off a conductor in the form of radio waves—thus defining the radio frequency range.
Electromagnetic waves within this spectrum are measured using two parameters:
- Wavelength, which describes the distance covered by one complete cycle of the wave.
- Frequency, which describes the number of waves passing a point in one second and is measured in Hertz (Hz), including its multiples: Kilohertz (kHz), Megahertz (MHz), and Gigahertz (GHz).
Different bands within the radio frequency range also have distinct names. For instance, millimeter waves (mmWave) refer to radio waves with wavelengths between 1 cm and 10 cm, corresponding to frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.
Radio frequency bands
The radio frequency range is utilized in various technologies and applications, including:
- Radio broadcasting, like AM and FM radio
- Wireless cellular communications such as 5G
- Radio frequency remote controls
- Remote sensing, including weather forecasting
- Satellite navigation systems, such as GPS
Example of Radio Frequency in a sentence
"Radio frequency waves occupy the lower limits of the electromagnetic spectrum."
Related Terms for Radio Frequency
See Also: How to Boost Cell Phone Signal and Improve Reception