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T3B03

RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION · Electromagnetic wave properties: wavelength vs frequency, nature and velocity of electromagnetic waves, relationship of wavelength and frequency; Electromagnetic spectrum definitions: UHF, VHF, HF

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What are the two components of a radio wave?

  1. AImpedance and reactance
  2. BVoltage and current
  3. CElectric and magnetic fields
  4. DIonizing and non-ionizing radiation
Why A radio wave is an electromagnetic wave, meaning it consists of an oscillating electric field and an oscillating magnetic field that regenerate each other as the wave travels. The two fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of travel, which is why antenna polarization is defined by the orientation of the electric field. Voltage and current exist in the feed line and antenna conductor, but once the energy radiates into space it propagates as these two fields.
Watch out Voltage and current is tempting because that is what you measure in the circuit driving the antenna, but a wave traveling through free space has no conductor to carry current.
Electro-Magnetic wave: the name itself lists the two fields, electric and magnetic.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
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The rest of T3B

  1. T3B01 What is the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave?
  2. T3B02 What property of a radio wave defines its polarization?
  3. T3B03 What are the two components of a radio wave?
  4. T3B04 What is the velocity of a radio wave traveling through free space?
  5. T3B05 What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
  6. T3B06 What is the formula for converting frequency to approximate wavelength in meters?
  7. T3B07 In addition to frequency, which of the following is used to identify amateur radio bands?
  8. T3B08 What frequency range is referred to as VHF?
  9. T3B09 What frequency range is referred to as UHF?
  10. T3B10 What frequency range is referred to as HF?
  11. T3B11 What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave in free space?
  12. T3B12 Which of these frequencies travels at the highest velocity in free space?
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