Final answer:
The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands refer to ranges of frequencies used in Wi-Fi networks, which are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are chosen for their ability to travel through common building materials effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we talk about 2.4 or 5 gigahertz in the context of Wi-Fi networks, we are referring to ranges of frequencies, not a single, specific frequency. The terms 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz represent bands within the radio-wave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. These bands are chosen for technologies like Wi-Fi because they are less likely to be absorbed by common building materials, which allows for better signal penetration and coverage. It’s also worth noting that other common frequencies in use are for mobile telephones, such as 4G signals at around 880 MHz, and for navigation systems like GPS, which operates at frequencies such as 1.228 and 1.575 GHz. Furthermore, TV broadcasting makes use of very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) ranges, which are significantly lower than those used for modern Wi-Fi.