What does CW mean in PHYSICS

What is a Carrier Wave?

A carrier wave is an electromagnetic signal, usually in the form of an oscillating sine wave, which carries information over a distance. The information it carries can take various forms such as sound, image, or digital data. A carrier wave itself does not contain any information; instead, it acts as a ‘package' or vessel for other signals. It is typically used in combination with modulation techniques to transfer the desired information while maintaining compatibility with existing broadcast systems and receivers.

Modulation

Modulation techniques involve changing certain characteristics of the carrier wave such as its frequency or amplitude (i.e., amplitude modulation) in order to convey additional data or signals alongside the original carrier wave signal. This process makes it possible to send multiple messages simultaneously on separate frequencies across the same medium (e.g., radio or television).

How do Carrier Waves Work?

When a transmitter sends out a message via a wireless medium, such as radio waves, it first encodes the message into electrical impulses using its own particular protocol (the same way that text messages are encoded onto cell phones). The electrical impulses are then converted into an alternating current (AC), otherwise known as a sine wave, via oscillation methods before being transmitted through the airwaves at super high speeds. At this stage, no recognizable data has yet been transferred across the airwaves — it is only when these AC signals reach their destination that they get translated back into electrical impulses again; this time however they come preloaded with all of the desired information stored within them thanks to the modulated frequencies and amplitudes specified by the sender beforehand.