Radio Propagation - Free Space Propagation

Free Space Propagation

In free space, all electromagnetic waves (radio, light, X-rays, etc.) obey the inverse-square law which states that the power density of an electromagnetic wave is proportional to the inverse of the square of the distance from a point source or:

Doubling the distance from a transmitter means that the power density of the radiated wave at that new location is reduced to one-quarter of its previous value.

The power density per surface unit is proportional to the product of the electric and magnetic field strengths. Thus, doubling the propagation path distance from the transmitter reduces each of their received field strengths over a free-space path by one-half.

Read more about this topic:  Radio Propagation

Famous quotes containing the words free and/or space:

    The ingrained idea that, because there is no king and they despise titles, the Americans are a free people is pathetically untrue.... There is a perpetual interference with personal liberty over there that would not be tolerated in England for a week.
    Margot Asquith (1864–1945)

    Time in his little cinema of the heart
    Giving a première to Hate and Pain;
    And Space urbanely keeping us apart.
    Philip Larkin (1922–1986)