The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Podcasts

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 19: The Weird Waves of Wi-Fi

The Weird Waves of Wi-Fi

Series 19

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 19, The Weird Waves of Wi-Fi

“How does Wi-Fi work - is it magic?” asks Abby

4 Extra Debut. How does Wi-Fi work - is it magic? Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate the weird waves zipping around us every day. From 2022.

We use Wi-Fi every day, but do you know how it works? “Is it waves and science or just some mystical magical force?” wonders listener Abby. 

Well, our science sleuths are on the case. To help them navigate the strange realm of electromagnetic waves they are joined by Andrew Nix, Professor of Wireless Communication Systems from the University of Bristol. He explains why your wi-fi router won’t heat up your baked beans, but your microwave will.  

Andrea Goldsmith, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University, also joins to reveal how these waves are crammed full of 0s and 1s- whether that's a pic of your pets or a video chat with pals.

And finally, how do you get the best Wi-Fi at home? 

Dr Rutherford, it turns out, has made some rookie errors...  

Listen out for our top tips so you don't make them too!

Presenters: Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford

Producer: Ilan Goodman

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2022.

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 19

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 19

The Weird Waves of Wi-Fi

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