According to Wikipedia, “the electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum of an object is the characteristic distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by that particular object.” The electromagnetic spectrum is composed of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet waves, x-rays and gamma rays. As society’s knowledge of the electromagnetic waves expanded we began to harness its properties and thereby enhancing our communication systems. We heavily rely on these electromagnetic waves whether were using a cell-phone, Wi-Fi, or merely hearing something on the radio. Grasping the power of these waves has made our lives much easier and more efficient.
It is interesting to look at how today the electromagnetic spectrum is getting a complete over-haul. With the mandatory switch to digital cable, a huge portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, once used for broadcast waves for analog television, is now up for auction. This has the potential of a monumental advancement in wireless connectivity that will span country-wide. Talks of wireless carries like AT&T and Verizon buying parts of the spectrum to enhance their cellular networks and other companies in creating national Wi-fi are among the most popular uses of the spectrum and have a lot of government subsidies in the working towards getting this in action.
ReplyDeleteSince humans emit visible light and some electrical activity themselves, some people speculate that the FCC, which regulates all broadcasts of radio waves and such , technically has the right to regulate the human person based on the electromagnetic spectrum. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget about garage door openers, and microwaves ovens for that matter. That bit on 30 Rock is not entirely out of leftfield.
ReplyDeleteBen, just note that the spectrum is unchanged, policies regarding its regulation and allocation are.
Joe, that's hilarious!