Final answer:
Frequency modulation (FM) is a communication method where information is encoded by varying the frequency of a carrier wave. FM radio utilizes this to transmit high-fidelity audio signals over long distances with minimal quality loss. This technique maintains a constant amplitude while changing the frequency in response to an audio signal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frequency modulation (FM) is a method used in telecommunications to encode information onto a carrier wave by varying its frequency. In FM radio, a carrier wave at the station's basic frequency is combined with an audio signal at much lower audible frequencies. The result is a broadcast signal where the amplitude remains constant, but the frequency changes in response to the audio signal. This creates a robust form of transmission that is less susceptible to noise and signal degradation compared to amplitude modulation (AM).
FM is widely used in various forms of communication and broadcasting, notably in FM radio broadcasting. With FM radio, listeners receive audio content with high fidelity, as FM's method of information transmission minimally alters the original audio signal's characteristics except for its frequency component.
The frequency of the carrier wave is the number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point within one second. This modulation technique allows for the transmission of audio signals over long distances with minimal loss of quality, making FM a fundamental aspect of wireless communication.