Morse Code Cryptology Challenge
Cryptology is the science that studies secret communication.
A code is a system of symbols, letters, words, or signals that are used instead of words and numbers to send messages or store information. A code is used to keep the message short or to keep it secret.
Codes and ciphers are forms of secret communication. A code replaces words, phrases, or sentences with groups of letters or numbers, while a cipher rearranges letters or uses substitutes to disguise the message.
This process is called encryption or enciphering. The science that studies such secret communication is called cryptology.
There’s Morse Code for numbers too. It’s quicker than spelling out a number.
When we think of morse code in movies, it is usually a sound that lets us know someone is sending a secret message or code.
What’s Morse Code? Morse code is a system that uses dots and dashes to relay or send messages. A dot looks like a period, and a dash is a long horizontal line.
A dot is called a dit, and a dash is called a dah. Different combinations of dits and dahs represent each letter in the english language. They can be strung together to create words and sentences.
Timing of the Sounds
The length of each symbol is related to the length of 1 dit:
A dit is 1 unit of sound.
When switching between dits and/or dahs in the same letter, you leave 1 unit of silence.
A dah is the length of 3 units (3 dits).
To move to the next letter, you insert a pause of 3 units. To move to the next word, you insert a pause of 7 units. You can think of the pause like a space when you type.
Give it a Try! Remember:
- Dit (.) = 1 unit
- Dah (—) = 3 units
- Between dits and dahs within a letter = 1 unit of silence
- Between letters in a word = 3 units of silence
- Between two words = 7 units of silence Morse Code Background Information Timing The length of each symbol is related to the length of one dit: • A dit is one unit of sound. • When switching between dits and/or dahs in the same letter, you leave one unit of silence. • A dah is the length of three units (three dits). • To move to the next letter, you insert a pause of three units. To move to the next word, you insert a pause of seven units.
Want to create your own secret code? No problem. One simple example is to use a number for each letter in the alphabet 1-26 or backwards 26-1. It’s up to you. Have fun!
