What is the main advantage of frequency modulation (FM) over amplitude modulation (AM)?

The main advantage of frequency modulation (FM) over amplitude modulation (AM) lies in FM's ability to provide superior sound quality and greater resistance to noise. FM encodes information in the frequency variations of the carrier wave, which makes it inherently less susceptible to interference from electrical noise, atmospheric conditions, and other unwanted signals. This characteristic enables FM signals to maintain clearer and more consistent audio quality, particularly over long distances or in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference.

In contrast, AM modulates the carrier wave's amplitude to convey information, which means that any noise or signal distortions can directly affect the amplitude of the received signal, leading to more noticeable degradation in sound quality. Moreover, FM generally uses a wider bandwidth than AM, which allows for better fidelity but does not imply it is simpler to implement or that it necessarily transmits at higher frequencies; these attributes can vary based on the specific application and regulatory considerations.