Why do some radios get better signals when you stand closer to them?

Question

I was thinking it had to do with turning you into a makeshift antenna, but you don’t have to be connected, only nearby. What’s actually happening?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Radio-waves are susceptible to interference. The shorter the wavelength (i.e. the higher the frequency), the more susceptible it is to interference like trees, walls, cars (anything solid) and even humans. Removing anything in-between you and the source will increase your signal strength.

There are drawbacks to lower frequency waves – they carry less information, but they can penetrate more obstacles – and vice versa.