Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a version of the Science buddies experiment on Wi-Fi attenuation, but using electromagnetic waves instead of physical interference. What would be a good way to make sure the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted from each source is constant?

kevinl19,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. Radio waves are apart of the electromagnetic spectrum. WiFi transmitters emit electromagnetic radiation at a certain frequency. You can detect the electromagnetic frequency (EMF) with a smartphone EMF app.

What you are doing in your project is creating electromagnetic interference (EMI, also known as signal jamming). This can be done when two sources of EMF are at the same or similar frequency.

You'll want an EMF detector that can measure both frequency and signal strength.

Also, if you haven't, you might want to consider building a Faraday cage around your test subjects to eliminate outside sources of EMI.