There are two main ways to broadcast audio: AM and FM. While both have their benefits, they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between AM and FM so you can decide which is best for your needs.
AM stands for Amplitude Modulation, while FM stands for Frequency Modulation. AM broadcasts tend to be scratchier than FM broadcasts, but they can travel further distances. FM broadcasts are cleaner and crisper than AM broadcasts, but they don’t travel as far.
What is AM?
AM, or amplitude modulation, is a type of sound wave that encodes information by varying the amplitude, or height, of the wave. In radio communications, AM is used to send signals over long distances. The human voice is also an example of an AM signal. When you speak into a microphone, your voice vibrates the air molecules around it, creating an AM signal that can be converted into an electrical signal and transmitted over a wire. AM signals are also used in some types of radar systems. By varying the amplitude of the transmitted signal, the radar can create a map of the area it is scanning.
What is FM?
FM is short for frequency modulation. In terms of radio waves, it is a type of amplitude modulation in which the frequency of the carrier wave is varied in order to encode information. The FM signal has a wider bandwidth than AM, which allows it to carry more information. FM also has a higher fidelity than AM, meaning that it can reproduce sound more accurately. Because of these advantages, FM is the preferred choice for many radio applications, including broadcast radio and two-way communications. It is also widely used for music playback, as it can provide clean and clear sound quality.
Difference between AM and FM
AM and FM are two different types of radiofrequency transmission. AM is amplitude modulation, while FM is frequency modulation. The main difference between AM and FM is that with AM, the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied in order to encode the information, while with FM, the frequency of the carrier wave is varied. This means that AM is more susceptible to static and interference than FM. However, AM can be received over longer distances than FM, making it better for long-distance communication. In general, FM is used for music and other high-fidelity audio signals, while AM is used for voice transmissions such as news and talk radio.
Conclusion
Radio stations can be heard on two different frequencies: AM and FM. The main difference between the two is that AM signals travel in all directions, while FM signals only travel in straight lines. This means that FM transmissions are less likely to suffer from interference than AM transmissions. Additionally, FM receivers are able to filter out noise more easily than AM receivers.
