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Ultraviolet (UV) waves are not reflected by the ionosphere primarily because their wavelengths are shorter than those of visible light, and they carry enough energy to ionize atoms in the upper atmosphere. While the ionosphere can reflect certain radio frequencies, it absorbs much of the UV radiation due to its interactions with atmospheric gases, leading to the ionization process. Thus, rather than reflecting UV waves, the ionosphere absorbs them, preventing their propagation back to the Earth's surface.

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Which type of waves is not reflected by the ionosphere?

Microwaves are not reflected by the ionosphere because their wavelengths are too short for the ionosphere to effectively reflect them. This is why microwaves are commonly used for satellite communication, as they can pass through the ionosphere to reach satellites in space.


What layer is hit by the sun's ultraviolet rays and cause the air particles to become electrically charged?

The ionosphere. To clarify, only the low-frequency radio waves incorrectly called "high-frequency" or "HF" of about 50MHz and below are reflected. "Very High Frequency" VHF signals are not reflected, but go straight off into space. For example, in the "AM" commercial broadcast spectrum, the transmission is reflected back to the Earth and is receivable for great distances, a phenomenon that used to be called "skip". AM signals are in the band of 550KHZ to 1.6 MHz. "FM" stations in the band from 88MHz to 108MHz are only received by "Line of sight" transmissions.


What importance is the ionosphere to humans?

The ionosphere plays a crucial role in long-distance radio communication by reflecting radio waves back to Earth. It also helps protect us by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, the ionosphere influences GPS signals, making it important for navigation.


What is the composition of the ionosphere?

The ionosphere is primarily composed of free electrons and ions, which are formed when ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray radiation from the Sun ionizes atmospheric gases. The main gases present include nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), along with trace amounts of other elements. The ionosphere is stratified into different layers (D, E, and F) based on altitude and ionization levels, with the F layer being the most densely ionized. This ionization plays a crucial role in radio wave propagation and affects various communication systems.


How does the air get ionized in the ionosphere?

The air in the ionosphere gets ionized mainly through solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When high-energy photons from the sun hit the molecules in the ionosphere, they can knock off electrons, creating positively charged ions and free electrons. Cosmic rays and particle precipitation from the magnetosphere can also contribute to ionization in the ionosphere.

Related Questions

Which type of waves is not reflected by the ionosphere?

Microwaves are not reflected by the ionosphere because their wavelengths are too short for the ionosphere to effectively reflect them. This is why microwaves are commonly used for satellite communication, as they can pass through the ionosphere to reach satellites in space.


What is the type of wave is reflected by particles in the ionosphere?

Radio waves are reflected by particles in the ionosphere. These waves are commonly used in long-distance communication because they can bounce off the ionosphere and travel long distances by reflecting and refracting off the charged particles in the Earth's upper atmosphere.


Radio waves bounce and return to earth?

The Radio waves are reflected back to Earth in the Ionosphere.


Wave velocity as it passes from air to ionosphere?

decreses


What is the result of a reflected sound wave?

The result of a reflected sound wave is obviously an echo.


Is an ultraviolet wave an electromagnetic wave?

Yes.


What is the layer of atmosphere where radio signals are reflected back to the earths surface?

The ionosphere bends radio waves . . . most go out into space, but a fair number hit the earth far away, and are reflected back up to the ionosphere. Radio operators call this phenomenon, "The skip".


Type of radiation stopped in the ionosphere?

High-energy radiation such as gamma rays and X-rays are stopped in the ionosphere by interactions with the particles and magnetic fields present in this region of the Earth's atmosphere. The ionosphere acts as a shield, absorbing and scattering these types of radiation before they can reach the Earth's surface.


Radio waves are reflected by the?

Good conductors like metals, the ionosphere, etc.


What is name of reflected sound wave?

The reflected sound wave is called an echo.


Why do short wave broadcast services use sky wave propagation?

Short wave broadcast services use sky wave propagation because short waves can be reflected off the ionosphere, allowing the signals to travel long distances around the Earth. This allows for global coverage with relatively low power transmissions. Additionally, short waves are less affected by weather conditions compared to other frequency bands.


What is an incident wave and reflected wave?

An incident wave is a wave that strikes a boundary or obstacle. A reflected wave is a wave that bounces off the boundary or obstacle and travels in the opposite direction.