Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Characteristics of alternating currents

Characteristics of alternating currents — practice question

In radio communication, the radio wave is normally modulated.
(a)[2]

State what is meant by amplitude modulation (AM).

(b(i))[1]

A sinusoidal radio carrier wave of frequency $900\,\text{kHz}$ and unmodulated amplitude measured to be $4.0\,\text{V}$ is amplitude modulated by a signal of frequency $5.0\,\text{kHz}$. For the amplitude modulated wave, determine the wavelength.

(b(ii))[2]

Describe how the amplitude varies for the amplitude modulated wave.

(b(iii))[1]

State the bandwidth.

(c(i))[2]

Communication is sometimes carried out using satellites in geostationary orbits with a period of rotation about the Earth of $24$ hours. State two other features, apart from the period, of a geostationary orbit.

(c(ii).1)[1]

Suggest why frequencies of the order of gigahertz are chosen for satellite communication.

(c(ii).2)[2]

Suggest why the uplink frequency to the satellite differs from the downlink frequency.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Carrier wave amplitude varies

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