Question

Can you imagine a reason why low number TV channels can give better pictures in poor TV reception regions? (Hint: the low channels represent lower carrier frequencies)

Answer 1

Bear in mind, The theory due to which this problem persisted in the past does not apply for the present times. As in the present times, we receive signals from the satellite, then its form is changed in our set of boxes and we are able to consume our entertainment channels through television. Now coming back to the question,

In past, the broadcasting of the tv channels was done by the TV stations locally. They used to send their signals in the form of waves and we had to receive these signals at our homes through antennas. The problem which was persistent in those days was that they were a limited set of frequencies in which the channels could broadcast their shows. Thus the lower number of channels broadcasted in lower frequencies and the channel with higher numerical value were generally broadcasted on higher frequencies. You may ask that why didn't all the channels broadcasted their shows on lower frequencies? It is due to the fact that 2 channels can not broadcast at the same frequency as there is a risk of interference of the 2 signals in the atmosphere.

Now in higher frequency channels, there was usually an issue of attenuation. The word attenuation in the context of waves means a certain reduction in the intensity of the desired effect of the waves. In our case, it is the reception of clear signals at our antennas. The reason high-frequency waves have greater attenuation than low-frequency waves is due to the fact that the high-pressure portion of the wave compresses the medium creating heating. This radiates energy and reduces the amplitude of the wave. This phenomenon occurs more in high-frequency waves as they have more high-pressure regions per unit length as compared to the low-frequency waves.

Thus, this is the reason why lower numbered TV channels can give better pictures in poor TV reception regions.