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Omar Shehata

What do you think is happening here? The radio has a lot of static, but if I put my hand up it is a perfect signal

I didn't think our bodies could reflect/interfere with radio waves??

@omarshehata As approximately a large bag of water, your shape can almost certainly influence RF wave absorption and changing the bag shape likely changes any localised areas of signal loss.

The key line from the Wikipedia on this would be "Radiocommunication at GHz frequencies is very difficult in fresh waters and even more so in salt waters." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrom

en.wikipedia.orgElectromagnetic absorption by water - Wikipedia

@shivoa woaaah, this is so cool, thank you for explaining!!

@omarshehata your body is mostly salty water, a good conductor of electricity. Radio antennas are just conductive material in a particular shape.

FM radio waves are 3.3 meters from peak to peak. Good antennas are usually half the wavelength of the signal they’re trying to pick up. When standing with your arm outstretched, you probably form an L shape pretty darn close to the ideal antenna length.

The radio already has a (poor) antenna. You’re just helping it out.

@benetherington this is amazing. I can't believe I can literally be an antenna. No need to buy a bigger one 😅

Thank you so much for explaining!!