Do radio waves travel faster with colder temperatures?

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Do radio waves travel faster with colder temperatures?

2007-02-05 05:20:38 · 3 answers · asked by T Bone 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather

3 answers

No, actually, they could travel a bit slower. The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant and radio waves are light. But colder air will increase the density of the opposing medium, and cause a change in the refractive index which will increase. When the refractive index goes up, light travels a bit slower.

2007-02-05 05:27:11 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

Sound waves travel faster as it gets warmer. Radio waves are not effected much, but as answer 1 says a little slower.

2007-02-05 05:59:46 · answer #2 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

For all practical purposes there is absolutely no difference at all.

2007-02-05 07:24:25 · answer #3 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋