Radio waves and microwaves

Preparation and Planning

An understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and the varying energies of radiation within the spectrum is expected for this lesson. Also, knowledge of the varying properties of waves (i.e. diffraction, reflection, absorption etc). You may wish to integrate the following content within existing teaching material or indeed to take out elements not relevant to your examination board.

The slide and Worksheet-based assets for this lesson add considerable context for learning and help students to grasp the practical applications of radio wave and microwave transmission. If possible, arrange for materials to be photocopied and for a projector to be available.

You may wish to prepare for the Doodle Game in Episode 5 by pre-tearing and folding the clue cards printed on slide 19.

About the MOD Topic

Royal Corps of Signals

As the IT and Communications providers for the British Army the Royal Signals deploy everywhere the Army goes. Its role is to provide the Command, Control and Information systems that are required to enable the rest of the Army to communicate - in essence, the equivalent of BT or a mobile telephone provider, but within in an operational environment where there may not be any other form of communications available.

From small tactical radio communications equipment to large satellite dishes linking continents and passing vast amounts of information - the Royal Signals delivers communication solutions using some of the most advanced technology in the world today. The ingenuity, creativity and expertise of the Royal Signals are renowned often having to adapt equipment for extreme climatic and geographical conditions. Providing digital, VHF and satellite communications anywhere in the world, the RSC provides fully secure communications in all environments and conditions.

Below outlines the main technical equipment currently used by the Royal Signals. This equipment is used more generally in operational areas by all of the Armed Forces including The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Ptarmigan
Ptarmigan is the current mainstay of the Army's Tactical Trunk Communications System and provides fully secure digital communications throughout the battlefield.

Triffid
Triffid provides the radio relay links for Ptarmigan.

Promina
The Net.Com Promina networks uses commercial technology, adapted for the military, to deliver digital voice, analogue voice, video conferencing, IP, frame relay and ata services efficiently and reliably over satellite, microwave, radio and leased line services.

Clansman
Clansman is the in-service family of tactical radios with which the British Army is currently equipped to provide communications from formation headquarters to the fighting units.

Bowman
Bowman is the new tactical communications system. It will exploit the latest developments in radio and computer technology to meet the needs for all three services well into the 21st century. This will for the first time give commanders at all levels secure voice and data communications as well as an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS).

Satellite Communications
The Army uses tactical satellite ground terminals (SGT) which can provide high quality, high bandwidth communications links at very short notice anywhere in the world.

For further information visit: www.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/equipment/index.html

Further Opportunities for Learning

You may wish to run a class debate on the role of the Royal Corps of Signals within the British Army, exploring the need for a centralised communications unit and the key attributes of team members.

Research the proximity of phone masts to the school and reassurances / research carried out prior to installation. Alternatively research recently published data on the possible risks associated with usage of mobile phones.

Research the frequency of microwaves used within a conventional microwave oven and the properties that permit effective heating of food. Most domestic microwaves use a frequency of 2,450 megahertz (Integrated Environmental Management, Inc. Microwave Radiation. Available at: http://www.iem-inc.com/prnon1r.html [accessed 28th January 2008]). Consider the specific attributes of a microwave oven that ensure efficient operation (reflecting metal case / door, glass plate and turntable). Alternatively, you may like to ask students to produce a microwave oven safety leaflet describing some of the dangers associated with microwave ovens.
For further information visit: http://www.wikipedia.org/ (Please note the MOD is not responsible for any of the information published on these sites. Content on Wikipedia is contributed by members of the public and so the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.)

Research the Skynet 5 satellites launched by Paradigm Secure Communications on behalf of the MOD in order to provide secure and flexible communications for maritime, air and land forces. Students might find it interesting to consider the vast number of satellites orbiting Earth for various reasons including meteorological research and 'Earth Observing Satellites' (EOS). NASA produced a study in 1997 (the NASA Satellite Situation Report) which indicated almost 25,000 man-made objects in space, with over 16,000 of these in a state of decay.
For further information visit: http://www.army-technology.com/ or http://www.wikipedia.org/.

Student worksheet answers

Download the teachers notes PDF to access the answers for this lesson.