Radio propagation refers to the way radio waves travel through the atmosphere and other mediums. These waves can be affected by various factors, including the frequency of the signal, the terrain, and atmospheric conditions. Understanding radio propagation is essential for effective communication in fields like telecommunications and broadcasting. Different types of radio waves behave differently; for example, AM radio waves can travel long distances by bouncing off the ionosphere, while FM radio waves typically have a shorter range but offer better sound quality. Engineers study these behaviors to optimize signal strength and coverage for various applications.