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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 177
Default A question about radio, sound, "wave length" etc.

Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:42:32 -0500, "Jim"
wrote:

I know how to measure amplitude or time with a scope. I just can't figure
out how to measure distance.


You don't measure distance on the scope, it measures time. Given the
speed of the wave, typically 300,000,000 meters/sec, it is easy to
calculate distance, e.g., a 1 microsecond wave equals 300 meters
wavelength.


True, except when the dielectric constant (relative
permittivity) of the medium is higher than free space, then
the wavelength is reduced by 1/sqrt(Er). Common coax cable
dielectrics usually have an Er ~ 2.2 and most PC board
material is about 4.4 or so.