Digital vs Analog Signals MS-PS4-3

Grade 8 - NGSS - CA

A method of transmitting information by changing the amplitude of a wave

Amplitude modulation

A method of transmitting information by changing the amplitude of a wave. Amplitude modulation. Amplitude modulation is a way of sending information by varying the height or strength of radio waves.

A continuous signal whose properties, like amplitude and frequency, vary smoothly

Analog signal

A continuous signal whose properties, like amplitude and frequency, vary smoothly analog signal. Analog signals are smooth and continuous waves used to represent information, unlike digital signals, which use discrete onoff pulses.

A series of electrical pulses that represents the digits of binary numbers

Digital signal

A series of electrical pulses that represents the digits of binary numbers. Digital signal. In simple terms, a digital signal uses a series of onoff states to send information, like how computers read and interpret data.

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz)

Frequency

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz Hz. Frequency. In simple terms, frequency is how many times something happens in a second, like how often a wave goes up and down.

Occurs when two waves meet and combine to form a new wave

Interference

Occurs when two waves meet and combine to form a new wave. Interference. In simple terms, interference is when two waves overlap to make a bigger or smaller wave.

A varying electric current that represents information

Signal

A varying electric current that represents information. Signal. A signal is like a secret code that carries information from one place to another using electricity.

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves

Wavelength

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves. Wavelength. Wavelength is the length from one peak of a wave to the next peak, showing how long each wave is.