What does period and amplitude have to do with listening to music on the radio?

Question

Thanks so much for all your answers!

Answer 1

period and Amplitude describes waves. Waves are produced at the radio statio and sent out through the air where ur radio picks them up. Different waves will have different frequencies and this is what the different stations are. Period refers to how long it takes the wave to complete 1 cycle. Amplitude refers to the max height of the wave. So if the period and/or amplitude of a wave is changed u would get a different station.

Hope Ive helped. Good Luck!

Answer 2

When you listen to a certain station, you tune in to a certain carrier frequency (ex: 92.5 CJAD is 92.5 megahertz). So the carrier frequency has a period inversely proportional to the frequency.

Now FM stands for "frequency modulation" and AM stands for "amplitude modulation" meaning the music is converted into varying levels of voltage. Frequency modulation means the music is converted into small change in the frequency. Check out the graphics on this link to get a better mental picture of the processes: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/radio7.htm