Often abbreviated “RF.” Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second). However, the frequencies for radio waves are significantly lower than the frequency of light, making radio waves invisible.
According to current FCC guidelines, assigned radio frequencies range from 9kHz to 275GHz. Above the radio spectrum there are infrared frequencies, then visible light frequencies.
The radio frequency spectrum has been subdivided and allocated for myriad uses:
- AM and FM radio
- CB radio
- VHF and UHF television broadcast
- Wireless microphones
- Cell phones
- Garage door openers
- Television remotes
- Baby monitors
- Air traffic control
- Maritime and Aero nautical communication
- GPS
- Alarm systems
- Emergency broadcast
- Shortwave radio
- Cordless telephone
- Bluetooth
- Remote control toys
- Satellite communication
- Radio astronomy
- Microwave ovens, which use super-high-frequency radio waves.
- And many, many more.