Raadiolaine

Raadiolaine is the Estonian term for a radio wave, a form of electromagnetic radiation within the radio frequency portion of the spectrum. The word combines raadio 'radio' and laine 'wave'. Radio waves propagate through air and space and are used for wireless communication. In physics, radio waves are described by Maxwell's equations and propagate at the speed of light in vacuum (approximately 299,792 kilometers per second).

Their frequencies span roughly from 3 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz, corresponding to wavelengths from about 100 kilometers to 1 millimeter. They can travel by line-of-sight, reflect from surfaces, or be refracted by the ionosphere, depending on frequency and environment. Antennas generate and receive radio waves by accelerating charges, converting electrical signals into electromagnetic radiation and vice versa.

Modulation techniques encode information on carrier waves and enable diverse services such as AM and FM broadcasting, television, cellular networks, Wi‑Fi, satellite communications, radar, and navigation systems. Attenuation, scattering, and weather affect propagation, especially at higher frequencies. Radio waves are non-ionizing and generally considered safe at normal exposure levels, though guidelines limit prolonged exposure in certain contexts.

In communication technology, raadiolaine is a fundamental concept that enables wireless connectivity and broadcasting, spanning both terrestrial and space-based systems. See also: electromagnetic spectrum, antenna, modulation, radio communications.