What does RFID technology primarily use to identify people or objects?

RFID technology primarily uses radio waves to identify people or objects. The technology relies on small electronic tags to transmit data to a reader via radio signals. The RFID system typically consists of three components: the RFID tag, which contains a microchip and an antenna; the RFID reader, which emits radio waves to communicate with the tag; and the backend system that processes the information.

The use of radio waves allows RFID systems to operate effectively over various distances, depending on the type of RFID technology in use—passive, active, or semi-passive. This capability is essential for applications such as inventory management, access control, and supply chain tracking, where efficient and wireless identification is critical.

While acoustic waves and infrared signals are used in other forms of technology for communication and identification, their characteristics make them unsuitable for the specific needs addressed by RFID systems. Acoustic waves, for example, can be limited by environmental factors such as noise, while infrared signals often require line-of-sight to function effectively, which can restrict their use in many situations. Magnetic fields, on the other hand, are not typically used in RFID technology but may be relevant to other technologies like magnetic stripe cards.

In summary, radio waves are fundamental to the functioning of RFID technology, enabling