Long description

This diagram describes communication as a technical process, for example sending a message down a telephone line.

It is represented as a horizontal flow chart with labelled arrows.

Three boxes are linked by two arrows. Working from left to right, the first box represents the sender of a message. This message is then encoded; for example, in a telephone conversation it is converted into electrical impulses, and is represented by an arrow between the first and second box. The second box represents the signal being sent down the transmission channel, for example the telephone wire. The second arrow represents the message being decoded; for example, the signal is turned into an audible message by the receiver’s telephone. The third box represents the receiver of the message.

The diagram also shows how ‘noise’ can affect the transmission of the message; for example, the crackle on a poor telephone connection, which may mean the message is not received correctly.