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Are there any chemical reactions that can generate radio waves? — Parallax Forums

Are there any chemical reactions that can generate radio waves?

ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
edited 2010-10-24 17:30 in General Discussion
I know that chemical reactions can emit light and heat, and these are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. But are there any chemical reactions that can directly produce electromagnetic emissions in the radio part of the spectrum? I don't mean the reaction necessarily needs to emit a lot of radio waves, just something that might be detectable by some sensitive equipment that an amateur might be able to make.

It seems to me that there should be some kind of reaction that could do this, but I can't find any mention of it.

Anyone know for sure one way or another?

Comments

  • P!-RoP!-Ro Posts: 1,189
    edited 2010-10-23 22:39
    Atomic reactions ;)
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2010-10-23 23:04
    The energetics and dimensions are wrong for electromagnetic radiation in the radio spectrum directly from a chemical reaction. You can get direct production of light from a chemical reaction and you can get heat which can indirectly produce infrared radiation.

    I can imagine a MASER that could be excited by a chemical reaction, much like a chemical LASER which often operates at infrared wavelengths, but that's an indirect way of producing the electromagnetic energy.
  • UnknownUnknown
    edited 2010-10-23 23:50
    You can generate small amounts of electricity from Cactus or plugging wires into fruit.

    Fireflies come to mind but I don't know what causes that.

    What causes static electricity?

    The sun creates radio waves but what is the source of that?

    Electricity is created from solar energy or photosynthesis.

    I think it is more of a physics question. I have some theories but please seek the answer from higher education.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-10-24 00:06
    A battery works by a chemical reaction, and a battery can produce a spark, which generates radio waves.

    if you want to pursue it deeper and feel like spending the bucks, there's this book:

    Or look for it in a library near you:

    -Phil
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2010-10-24 06:02
    ElectricAye wrote: »
    But are there any chemical reactions that can directly produce electromagnetic emissions in the radio part of the spectrum?

    Actually, the Brain is a perfect example of that. There are chemical processes that produce electrial signals for neuron to neuron communication that are easily detectable.

    Bill
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2010-10-24 17:30
    Guys,

    thanks for your inputs on this. I'm especially intrigued by Phil's finding of the book, Chemical Generation and Reception of Radio-and Microwaves, which I've been able to read chunks of thanks to Google Books. Very interesting stuff, of which I'm still trying to make some sense. It's mostly way over my head, but it's fascinating that such things apparently are possible.

    :)
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