Sound, light, and heat waves are all forms of energy that can propagate through air. Each of these waves has specific characteristics and interacts with the air and other materials in different ways.
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air, to travel. They propagate by compressing and rarefying the air particles as they move through it. Sound waves can travel over long distances through the air because air is a suitable medium for their propagation.
Light waves, on the other hand, are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum, including through air. They do not require a medium like sound waves do. Light waves are composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and propagate in a transverse manner. This property allows light waves to travel through the air and other transparent substances, including vacuum.
Heat, or thermal energy, is transferred through a process called conduction, convection, and radiation. In the context of air, heat can be transferred through conduction and convection, which involve direct contact and movement of air molecules. Additionally, heat can be transferred through radiation, which involves the emission and absorption of electromagnetic waves in the infrared spectrum. These infrared waves, being a form of light, can propagate through air.
Now, regarding electromagnetic waves used for communication and specifically your mention of electric waves, such as those produced by a Tesla coil, their propagation and range are influenced by several factors:
Frequency: Different frequencies of electromagnetic waves have different propagation characteristics. Higher frequencies, such as those used for Wi-Fi or cellular signals, have shorter wavelengths and are more easily absorbed or scattered by objects in their path, including air molecules. This limits their range.
Power: The power or intensity of the electromagnetic waves also affects their range. Higher-powered signals can travel longer distances, overcoming losses due to absorption and scattering.
Antenna Design: The design and efficiency of the transmitting and receiving antennas play a crucial role in the effective range of electromagnetic waves. Antennas are engineered to optimize the radiation pattern and direct the energy towards the desired target.
Interference: In the case of large-scale transmission of electric waves, interference from other signals or environmental factors can affect the overall range and signal quality.
Tesla coils are high-frequency devices that operate in the radio frequency range. While they can generate powerful electric fields, their range is limited due to the factors mentioned above. The design and configuration of the Tesla coil, as well as the tuning of the resonant circuit, determine the effective range of its electric field and the extent to which it can couple with nearby objects.