Why are analogue signals prone to interference?

Analogue signals are prone to interference because they are continuous and can easily pick up noise from the environment.

Analogue signals are continuous waveforms that can take on any value within a given range. This means that they are susceptible to any form of noise or interference that falls within this range. Noise, in this context, refers to unwanted electrical or electromagnetic energy that distorts the original signal. This noise can come from a variety of sources, such as other electronic devices, power lines, or even natural phenomena like thunderstorms.

When an analogue signal is transmitted over a distance, it gradually loses energy due to resistance in the transmission medium. This loss of energy, known as attenuation, makes the signal weaker and more susceptible to interference. As the signal becomes weaker, the relative strength of the noise becomes greater, making it harder to distinguish the original signal from the noise.

Furthermore, analogue signals are also prone to distortion. Distortion occurs when the shape of the signal wave is altered in some way, which can happen due to the characteristics of the transmission medium or the presence of other signals. This can further degrade the quality of the signal and make it more difficult to accurately reproduce at the receiving end.

In contrast, digital signals, which are represented by discrete values rather than a continuous range, are less susceptible to noise and distortion. This is because they can be easily regenerated and cleaned up at the receiving end, making them a more reliable choice for many modern communication systems. However, analogue signals still have their uses in certain applications where a continuous range of values is required.