Which component is typically used to convert electrical signals into radio waves?

The transmitter is the component that is specifically designed to convert electrical signals into radio waves. In radio communication systems, the transmitter takes the input signal, which can be audio, data, or any type of information, and modulates this signal onto a carrier wave. This modulation process allows the signal to be effectively transmitted over long distances through the air as radio waves.

Once the electrical signals are modulated, the transmitter then radiates these signals into the surrounding environment, enabling them to travel through the atmosphere. This capability is essential for effective communication in various applications, such as broadcasting, two-way radios, and mobile communications.

In contrast, other components mentioned play different roles in the communication process. The receiver is responsible for capturing the radio waves and converting them back into electrical signals. The modulator is involved in combining the original signal with the carrier wave, but it is part of the transmitter system. The demodulator then extracts the original signal from the modulated carrier wave after reception. Therefore, the function of converting electrical signals into radio waves is distinctly performed by the transmitter.