Radiofreqüència

Radiofreqüència, often abbreviated as RF, refers to the range of electromagnetic wave frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum that are capable of being radiated by a transmitting antenna and received by another antenna. This frequency range typically spans from about 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). RF waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light and X-rays, but with lower energy and longer wavelengths.

These waves are generated by the oscillation of electric charges and can travel through a vacuum, such as space, as well as through various media. The properties of radio waves, such as their ability to diffract around obstacles and penetrate certain materials, depend on their specific frequency. Lower frequencies tend to travel farther and can bend around the curvature of the Earth, while higher frequencies are more directional and can be used for higher bandwidth communication.

Radiofrequency energy has numerous applications across various fields. It is fundamental to wireless communication technologies, including radio and television broadcasting, mobile phone networks, Wi-Fi, and radar systems. In medicine, RF energy is used in diagnostic imaging techniques like MRI and in therapeutic treatments such as radiofrequency ablation for conditions like atrial fibrillation and certain types of cancer. It also plays a role in industrial processes, such as heating materials through microwave ovens and dielectric heating.