Exploring ELF Waves: The Lowest Frequency Electromagnetic Waves

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Lecture%20slides/Lecture%209.pdfIn summary, ELF waves are electromagnetic waves that have a frequency range of 3-30Hz. They are not the lowest frequency electromagnetic waves known, as there is no theoretical lower limit to electromagnetic wave frequency. However, these low frequencies are not practical for communication due to the need for extremely long antennas and limited bandwidth. The radio frequency ranges, such as HF and VHF, are set arbitrarily.
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jreelawg
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ELF waves are defined by some sources a 3-30HZ. Are these the lowest frequency Electromagnetic Waves we know of?

What is the lowest possible frequency/maximum wave length?
 
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No. There is no theoretical lower limit to electromagnetic wave frequency. Grab a comb, brush it through your hair to get electrically charged, now wave it around. You've just made EM waves.

Of course, in practice, you would never use such low frequencies for communication because you'd need antennas thousands of miles in length to get decent output power, and even then you would get lousy bandwidth.

The radio frequency ranges you read about (HF, VHF, etc.) are set entirely arbitrarily. Don't lose sleep over it.
 
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Related to Exploring ELF Waves: The Lowest Frequency Electromagnetic Waves

What are ELF waves?

ELF waves, or extremely low frequency waves, are the lowest frequency electromagnetic waves that exist in the electromagnetic spectrum. They have frequencies between 3-30 Hz, making them the slowest and longest electromagnetic waves.

How are ELF waves generated?

ELF waves are generated by natural sources such as lightning strikes and solar flares, as well as by human-made sources such as power lines and communication systems. They can also be produced in laboratories using specialized equipment.

What are the uses of ELF waves?

ELF waves have a variety of uses, including communication with submarines, studying the ionosphere and magnetosphere, and conducting research on the Earth's crust and upper atmosphere. They are also used in medical treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation.

What are the potential health effects of exposure to ELF waves?

There is ongoing research on the potential health effects of exposure to ELF waves. Some studies suggest a possible link between long-term exposure to high levels of ELF waves and an increased risk of certain health conditions, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

How do scientists study ELF waves?

Scientists use a variety of methods to study ELF waves, including ground-based and satellite-based measurements, as well as computer simulations. They also conduct experiments in laboratories to better understand the properties and behavior of ELF waves.

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