AM and FM Modulation

AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation) are methods of transmitting radio signals. In AM, the strength (amplitude) of the carrier wave varies in proportion to the sound or data being sent, while its frequency remains constant. In FM, the frequency of the carrier wave changes in accordance with the sound or data, while the amplitude stays steady. Think of AM as changing the "height" of a wave, and FM as changing the "tightness" or "spacing" of the wave cycles. Both methods encode information onto radio waves for broadcast and reception.