Dangers of mobile interference. Some airlines allow the use of mobile phones on aircraft, however as of 2011 most airlines do not.

Dangers of mobile interference

Aeroplanes:

Some airlines allow the use of mobile phones on aircraft, however as of 2011 most airlines do not. On airlines where the use of mobile phones is not allowed, it is thought they could adversely affect the navigational instruments in the cockpit and so such devices must be turned off while the aircraft is airborne.

In the US, the use of mobile phones and similar devices has been banned by the United States' Federal Communications Commission.

There is anecdotal evidence showing various degrees of correlation between use of mobile phones in flight and various instrument problems, and one study concluded that mobile phones used in the cabin could exceed the rated allowable interference levels for some avionics installed in some aircraft. On the other hand, links between device use and actual system failures have not been proven rigorously, nor have the reported incidents been reproduced in ground tests.

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Since the regulations were imposed by the various international bodies there have been advances in equipment and systems which have allowed the gradual introduction of safe in-flight communications via mobile phones and such devices. These systems are being implemented by an increasing number of airlines and carriers as each is tested by the authority responsible for air-safety and deemed to be fit for use.

Hospitals:

Mobile phones that are electromagnetically incompatible with medical equipment may cause problems. Mobiles emit radiation that can cause nearby electrical equipment to become a radio receiver and mobiles can interact with radio transmitters. These interactions can interfere with the functioning of the equipment. You may have noticed that when your mobile phone rings near a computer it temporarily interferes with the monitor. Even mobile phones in standby mode communicate with transmitters and can cause interference.

The power output from a mobile phone and the frequency on which it operates determine how it affects electrical equipment. Different types of phone, therefore, carry different levels of risk. The analogue radios used by the emergency services are a greater risk than security radios used by porters and other hospital workers which in turn are more risky than the mobile phones used by the general public. Most hospital equipment conforms to certain standards of "radio immunity" before being CE marked and approved for use. Some medical devices are exempt from these standards if their clinical benefit can be proved, or if they are being used in clinical trials, leaving equipment vulnerable to interference.

Peer Reviews

Here's what a star student thought of this essay

dragonkeeper13

30th of Jun 2012

Quality of writing

The first section of the essay is very well phrased, with excellent spelling and grammar. The second half slips into a less formal tone, directly addressing the reader, but the good use of technical vocabulary continues throughout. The essay is split into two sections, separated by subtitles, each separated into smaller paragraphs for ease of reading. Their quality of written communication is very good throughout.

Level of analysis

The candidate has discussed the potential for mobile phone interference on planes and in hospitals, and then analysed how probable this interference is. However, they could have continued to discuss the consequences of this interference. They have shown some understanding of the physics behind the interference - "Mobiles emit radiation that can cause nearby electrical equipment to become a radio receiver and mobiles can interact with radio transmitters" - but should have expanded on this brief description to shown they understand waves and how they interact with electrical and magnetic fields, and then mentioned the effect this would have on sensitive equipment. They have also analysed the validity of the results of a study investigating the effect of mobile interference - and thus given their own, well supported, decision as to whether this is sufficient evidence to claim that mobile phones are causing the interference. Their analytical skills are good, but they should expand more on their conclusions and descriptions of the science behind the interference - which is usually key to gaining high marks.

Response to question

This appears to be a short homework piece about the dangers of mobile interference. The candidate has mentioned several possible effects of mobile phone interference, as well as considering the likelihood of there being interference. They have also discussed recent improvements in technology which help to reduce the risk. However, each of these areas could have been explored in much more depth - for example discussing a possible consequence of mobile phone interference with hospital equipment during an operation (with examples if possible). Despite the brief overview of the topic the essay gives, the author has clearly focussed on the question and avoided veering off-topic.

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