The resonant frequency of water is right about 2.4Ghz. This is the reason the 2.4ghz band (+/- 50Hz from 2400Hz) is unlicensed. The water molecule can be conceptualized as a mickeymouse molecule, with a big oxygen atom, and two smaller hydrogen atoms sticking up like MM ears. It does not sit in a balanced structure. Microwaves work by setting up an electric field inside the oven. This electric field (operating at about 2.4Ghz) tickles the water molecules, causing them to vibrate more, thus elevating the tempurature of the water (or food, etc). I don't know if rain is a sole cause of 2.4ghz communications being dampened. From speculation, I suppose it's possible. Cory On Mon, Jan 29, 2001 at 12:36:09AM -0800, Ben Barrett wrote: > On Mon, 29 Jan 2001, Planet Janet Tarver wrote: > > does bad weather effect this? > > I have heard something recently about the water molecule being > particularly dampening to the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz ranges; > does anyone know about that? I guess my cordless phone > crackles from time to time, but I don't use it outside : ] > > The broadcast nodes are usually just powerful enough to go a few > hundred feet, maybe make it through a wall or two if we're lucky... > but well-designed, -tuned, and -built antennae help this cause! > > -these high winds wouldn't cause any fret, though. > > cheerio > > ben
