Question 1: Define electromagnetic waves and explain how they propagate through space.

Answer: Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space at the speed of light without needing a medium.

Question 2: Identify which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is commonly used for wireless communication in sports science devices like GPS trackers.

Answer: Radio waves

Question 1: A GPS signal used in sports tracking operates at a frequency of 1.575 GHz. Calculate the wavelength of this signal. (Speed of light = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s)

Answer: Wavelength = 0.191 m

Question 2: If a sports science communication system uses infrared waves with a wavelength of 1.5 × 10^-6 m, what is its frequency? (Speed of light = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s)

Answer: Frequency = 2.0 × 10^14 Hz

Question 1: Describe a basic experiment to demonstrate how microwave communication signals can be affected by obstacles such as walls or metal objects.

Answer: Set up a microwave transmitter and receiver in a controlled environment, placing obstacles like walls or metal sheets between them. Observe the signal strength and quality, noting how obstacles cause attenuation or reflection of the waves, demonstrating interference effects.

Question 2: Identify three safety precautions that must be taken when working with high-frequency electromagnetic waves in practical experiments.

Answer: Use appropriate shielding to prevent exposure, keep a safe distance from high-frequency sources, and ensure devices are properly grounded to avoid electrical hazards.

Question 1: A sports scientist records that a wireless communication signal's strength diminishes as the athlete moves away from the transmitter. The signal frequency remains constant at 2.4 GHz. Explain how the wavelength changes with distance and why signal strength decreases.

Answer: The wavelength remains constant because frequency and the speed of light are constant. The decrease in signal strength is due to the spreading out of the wave energy over a larger area and potential interference, leading to attenuation of the signal.

Question 1: Explain how electromagnetic waves are utilised in GPS technology to track athletes during sports events. Include the roles of different wave types and any potential limitations.

Answer: GPS technology uses radio waves, specifically microwaves, transmitted from satellites to receivers in sports tracking devices. These waves enable precise location data by measuring the time it takes for signals to travel. Limitations include signal delays caused by atmospheric interference and obstacles, which may reduce accuracy.

Question 2: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using infrared communication in sports science, particularly in indoor environments.

Answer: Advantages include high data transfer rates and low interference from other signals, making it suitable for indoor use. Disadvantages involve limited range, susceptibility to obstacles blocking the line of sight, and potential interference from other infrared sources.

Question 1: Describe how sports scientists use radio frequency waves to monitor athlete performance remotely. Include considerations about wave frequency and potential challenges.

Answer: Sports scientists use radio frequency waves to transmit data from wearable sensors to monitoring stations. These waves allow real-time tracking of metrics such as heart rate, speed, and position. Challenges include signal interference, limited range in certain environments, and ensuring data security.

Question 2: Evaluate the impact of advancements in electromagnetic wave technology on future sports science communication methods.

Answer: Advancements such as higher frequency communication, adaptive signal processing, and miniaturisation of devices will improve accuracy, reduce latency, and increase the range of data transmission. This will enable more precise performance analysis, better injury prevention, and enhanced real-time coaching, transforming sports science communication.