In physics, the term "short wavelength" refers to electromagnetic waves that have a relatively small distance between successive wave peaks or troughs. It indicates a higher frequency and higher energy compared to waves with longer wavelengths. Short wavelength electromagnetic radiation encompasses forms like X-rays and gamma rays, which have very short wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Communication at longer distances using short wavelength electromagnetic radiation, such as microwaves and infrared waves, is possible due to a property called diffraction. Diffraction is the bending or spreading of waves as they encounter obstacles or pass through narrow openings. It occurs to some extent with all waves, including electromagnetic waves.
The degree of diffraction experienced by a wave depends on the wavelength relative to the size of the obstacle or opening it encounters. In general, shorter wavelength waves experience less diffraction than longer wavelength waves when encountering the same obstacle or opening.
When it comes to communication, shorter wavelength electromagnetic waves, like microwaves, have smaller physical dimensions and encounter less diffraction compared to longer wavelength waves, such as radio waves. This property allows shorter wavelength waves to propagate over longer distances without spreading out or getting dispersed as much as longer wavelength waves.
As a result, shorter wavelength waves can be focused into narrower beams, allowing for more focused and directional transmission. This property is advantageous for long-distance communication because it enables the waves to travel in a more focused and concentrated manner, reducing the loss of energy and maintaining a stronger signal over greater distances.
Radio waves, on the other hand, have longer wavelengths and are more prone to diffraction and spreading out as they encounter obstacles or pass through openings. This characteristic makes radio waves more suitable for omnidirectional communication, where the waves are radiated in all directions, but it limits their ability to maintain a focused and concentrated signal over long distances.
Therefore, short wavelength electromagnetic radiation allows for communication at longer distances than other types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, due to their reduced diffraction and ability to be focused into more concentrated beams.