Okay, My kids asked me a question that I can't answer...help!?

Question

The other day my kids asked me what AM and FM means on the radio...what DO they mean?!

Answer 1

AM means amplitude modulation.  FM means frequency modulation.  See the howstuffworks.com link below for details.

Answer 2

AM= Amplitude modulation...a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent. For example, changes in the signal strength can be used to reflect the sounds to be reproduced by a speaker.

AM  statons usually can be herd for hundreds of miles,better at nite.They usually run a lot of power, up to 50000 + watts.

FM= frequency modulation (FM) conveys information over a carrier wave by varying its frequency (contrast this with amplitude modulation, in which the amplitude of the carrier is varied while its frequency remains constant). In analog applications, the instantaneous frequency of the carrier is directly proportional to the instantaneous value of the input signal.

   FM radio stations can be herd up to 50/75 miles depending on the location of the transmitter, and ur location. hills and buildings, will block the signal so you will not hear them.

    the  am bands  offer mostly talk shows and news today.

You can get more info thru the  ARRL .... QST   web pages on this topic , there uses, how and why they use  this type of signal.

Answer 3

FM: Frequency Modulation

AM: Amplitude Modulation

Answer 4

AM is mostly just music radio. On FM, they talk about news and sports and there's this really old jazz music.(REALLY OLD!!).

Answer 5

Amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. AM can go farther because FM has to bounce off waves.

Answer 6

the difference is the way the soundwaves travel - you should be able to find a simple explanation with diagrams online

Answer 7

Both are quite outdated these days. The way to go is satellite radio

Answer 8

Amplitude Modulation makes broadcasts louder by increasing the size of the radio waves.

Frequency Modulation makes broadcasts louder by increasing the density of the radio waves.

Answer 9

Tell them that AM means it can go farther than FM, but FM is usually more clearer than AM. Sorry I forgot what they stand for.

Answer 10

Amplitude Modulation / Frequency Modulation

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