What is the difference between AM and FM radio and why is FM more popular?
In: Technology
Both formats are based on approximating a sound wave, which is a kind of sine wave, with radio waves, which are also sine waves.
AM stands for amplitude modulation. That means that the amplitude of the radio waves is increased and decreased to approximate the sound wave.
FM stands for frequency modulation. That means that the frequency of the radio waves is increased and decreased to approximate the sound wave.
AM waves, being of relatively low frequency, will hug the surface of the Earth more, so they can be received over longer distances. AM transmissions also have more static and don’t transmit music that well, so it is an ideal platform for talk radio, news, etc.
FM transmissions have shorter range but much higher fidelity in terms of frequency response, low distortion, etc., so FM is the preferred platform for music.
In the mid 20th Century, there was a titanic battle between the two broadcast formats.
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