What happens if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode? - Lindsay DeMarchi

Summary

The video script explores the invisible world of radio waves that permeate our surroundings, highlighting how these waves are integral to modern technology like cell phones, GPS, and computers. It explains that if visible, the powerful signal from a phone would be seen from as far as Jupiter. The script delves into the mechanics of cell phone communication, illustrating how they emit electromagnetic waves to connect to networks, and how cell towers manage these calls by assigning unique wavelengths to each phone. It also addresses the challenges of interference due to the increasing demand for these wavelengths, especially with the advent of Wi-Fi. The video warns about the potential negative impact of radio wave interference on astronomy, as radio telescopes require a clear signal to study the cosmos. It concludes with a cautionary note on the need for radio silence to maintain our connection to the universe and the stars.

Takeaways

• 📶 Invisible radio waves are ubiquitous, carrying information for various technologies like computers, GPS, and cell phones.
• 🌌 If visible to the human eye, the strength of a phone's radio wave signal could be seen from as far as Jupiter.
• 🛂 Airplane mode isn't for your safety but to prevent interference with the flight's electronic systems from active cell phones.
• 📱 Cell phones emit electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, to connect to networks, and these waves have different wavelengths.
• 🔋 The further a phone is from a cell tower, the more battery power it uses to send a stronger signal to connect.
• 🔵 Cell towers assign unique wavelengths (like different colors) to each call to prevent crosstalk between calls.
• 🎨 The limited number of available wavelengths is causing interference issues, especially with the rise in Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.
• 🚨 During emergencies, the high volume of signals can overwhelm cell towers, leading to dropped calls and connectivity issues.
• ✈️ Phones on planes emit very strong signals, which can interfere with ground-based signals if they are not in airplane mode.
• 🌟 The increasing use of radio waves for communication is affecting radio astronomy, as the protected wavelength ranges for telescopes are not always respected.
• 🌍 Despite the global saturation of radio waves, there are still some areas where radio telescopes can operate with less interference, allowing for deep space observations.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of using airplane mode on phones during flights?

The primary purpose of using airplane mode on phones during flights is to prevent interference with the aircraft's communication systems and to protect other passengers' devices from the potentially disruptive signals emitted by the phone.

How do cell phones connect to networks?

Cell phones connect to networks by emitting information in the form of electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, which occupy a certain band of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Why do phones expend more battery power when trying to connect to a cell tower from a distance?

Phones expend more battery power when trying to connect from a distance because they need to send a higher amplitude signal to reach the cell tower, which requires more energy.

How do cell towers manage multiple calls without interference?

Cell towers manage multiple calls without interference by assigning each phone involved in a call its own specific wavelength, which acts like a unique color to ensure that calls do not overlap.

What is the impact of the increased demand for radio wavelengths due to Wi-Fi?

The increased demand for radio wavelengths due to Wi-Fi has led to a dramatic rise in the competition for ownership of these wavelengths, making it increasingly difficult to avoid interference.

Why is it problematic for phones to search for signals from thousands of meters in the sky?

It is problematic because phones on planes are very far from cell towers and work overtime to send the loudest signals they can, which can disrupt the signals of phones on the ground when the plane gets unexpectedly close to a cell tower.

How does not using airplane mode on a flight act as a radio jammer?

Not using airplane mode on a flight acts as a radio jammer by sending out giant radio waves that interfere with nearby signals, potentially disrupting communication systems.

What is the impact of rogue radio waves emitted by electronics on our internet and calls?

Rogue radio waves emitted by electronics can slow down our internet and make our calls choppy, leading consumers to pay for more bandwidth and service providers to take over more of the radio spectrum.

Why is the radio spectrum important for radio telescopes used in astronomy?

The radio spectrum is important for radio telescopes because it allows them to observe a specific band of wavelengths that are crucial for seeing deep into space and studying celestial bodies.

How do 5G networks potentially interfere with radio telescope observations?

5G networks potentially interfere with radio telescope observations because they operate in a frequency range that overlaps with the range used by radio telescopes, which can drown out the weaker signals from space that the telescopes are trying to detect.

What are the consequences of the increasing saturation of radio waves on our ability to observe the cosmos?

The increasing saturation of radio waves can lead to a situation where nowhere on Earth is truly radio quiet, which hampers the ability of radio telescopes to observe the cosmos without interference, potentially blinding us to signals from deep space.

What measures can be taken to minimize the impact of radio wave interference on both daily communication and astronomical observations?

Measures to minimize the impact of radio wave interference include using airplane mode on flights, enforcing stricter regulations on the use of the radio spectrum, developing technology to better filter out rogue signals, and creating designated radio quiet zones for astronomical observations.