Satellites and Communication
Satellites relay signals between distant places on Earth by receiving and re-transmitting radio waves or microwaves.
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Satellites relay signals between distant places on Earth by receiving and re-transmitting radio waves or microwaves.
- Signals travel at the speed of light
- Satellite dishes focus the signal
- GPS uses signals from several satellites
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Satellites and Communication?
Within Physics, which covers forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, light and space explained through motion and experiments, this topic explains Satellites and Communication. Physics topics explain how things move, push, heat up and carry energy, so each one here pairs a definition with a live model you can change.
Check that you can explain Satellites and Communication in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Satellites and Communication explains how the physical world behaves, from sport and transport to electricity and medicine.
Satellites and Communication in detail
Communication satellites relay signals over long distances by receiving radio or microwave signals from the ground and re-transmitting them. Geostationary satellites provide TV and phone links, while GPS satellites in medium Earth orbit allow receivers to calculate position from the timing of signals from at least four satellites.
Signals travel at the speed of light, so there is a small delay. Digital signals are less affected by noise than analogue ones and can be regenerated. Optical fibres, radio and microwaves each have advantages in bandwidth, range and cost.
How the interactive helps you understand Satellites and Communication
Watch the network in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the network responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Satellites and Communication.
Real-life uses and examples
- Answer “explain” questions by linking Satellites and Communication to a clear cause and effect.
- Predict what a ball, car or circuit will do with Satellites and Communication before you do the calculation.
- Explain everyday devices, such as brakes, lifts or chargers, using Satellites and Communication.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that some quantities, such as force or velocity, also have a direction.
- Mixing up Satellites and Communication with a related quantity that has different units.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Satellites and Communication
What is Satellites and Communication?
Satellites relay signals between distant places on Earth by receiving and re-transmitting radio waves or microwaves.
What are the most important points about Satellites and Communication?
The main points are: Signals travel at the speed of light; Satellite dishes focus the signal; GPS uses signals from several satellites.
Why is Satellites and Communication useful?
Understanding Satellites and Communication explains how the physical world behaves, from sport and transport to electricity and medicine.
How can I practise Satellites and Communication?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Satellites and Communication?
Related topics in Physics include Scientific Investigation Skills, Physical Quantities and Units, Accuracy and Uncertainty.