What is 'Propagation' in the context of radio communication?

Propagation refers to the behavior of radio waves as they travel through various environments. This encompasses how waves can reflect, refract, diffract, and scatter depending on the surroundings they encounter, such as buildings, terrain, and atmospheric conditions. Understanding propagation is crucial for effective radio communication because it affects signal strength, range, and quality.

Different frequencies react differently to obstacles and atmospheric conditions; for instance, lower frequencies may bend around objects better, while higher frequencies might be more affected by the line of sight. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of propagation helps engineers and technicians design communication systems that can effectively transmit signals under various conditions, optimizing coverage and reliability.