Radiation patterns describe how energy, such as radio waves or sound, is distributed in space from a source, like an antenna or speaker. These patterns help determine how effectively the source can transmit signals in different directions. They are often visualized as graphs or diagrams that show the intensity of radiation at various angles. Understanding radiation patterns is crucial in fields like telecommunications and acoustics. For example, in antenna design, engineers analyze these patterns to optimize signal coverage and minimize interference. Similarly, in audio engineering, knowing the radiation pattern of a speaker helps in placing it for the best sound distribution in a room.