Solution:: F = V Λ F = 3X 10 F = 3X 10 F =5 Mhz

Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation
Q1. Which two composite fields

(composed of E and H fields) are
Q7. A station is known to operate at 60-
associated with every antenna?
meters. What is the frequency of the
Ans. Induction field and radiation field unknown station?
Ans. 5 MHz
Q2. What composite field (composed of Solution:
E and H fields) is found stored in the
v
antenna? f=
λ
Ans. Induction field 8
3 x 10
f=
60
Q3. What composite field (composed of 3 x 10
8
E and H fields) is propagated into free f=

60
space?
f =5 MHz
Ans. Radiation field
Q8. If a transmitting antenna is placed

Q4. What is the term used to describe close to the ground, how should the
the basic frequency of a radio wave? antenna be polarized to give the
greatest signal strength?
Ans. Fundamental frequency
Ans. Vertically polarized
Q5. What is the term used to describe a

whole number multiple of the basic Q9. In the right-hand rule for
frequency of a radio wave? propagation, the thumb points in the
direction of the E field and the forefinger
Ans. Harmonic frequency or harmonics
points in the direction of the H field. In
what direction does the middle finger
point?
Q6. It is known that WWV operates on a
frequency of 10 megahertz. What is the Ans. Direction of wave propagation
wavelength of WWV?
Ans. 30 meters
Q10. What is one of the major reasons
Solution: for the fading of radio waves which have
been reflected from a surface?
v
f=
λ Ans. Shifting in the phase relationships
of the wave
Where;
f = frequency (Hz)
v = speed of light (3x10^8 m/s)
λ=¿wavelength (m) Q11. What are the three layers of the
atmosphere?
v 3 x 10
8 Ans. Troposphere, stratosphere, and
λ= = ionosphere
f 10 x 106
λ=¿ 30 m Q12. Which layer of the atmosphere has

relatively little effect on radio waves?
Note: This is just a compilation of MCQs and identification problems related to radio wave propagation.
Some of the questions may or may not appear in the quiz or the final exam. PRACTICE and STUDY well.
Ans. Stratosphere
Q13. What is the determining factor in Q20. What factor determines whether a
classifying whether a radio wave is a radio wave is reflected or refracted by
ground wave or a space wave? the ionosphere?
Ans. Whether the component of the Ans. Thickness of ionized layer
wave is travelling along the surface or
over the surface of the earth
Q21. There is a maximum frequency at
which vertically transmitted radio waves
Q14. What is the best type of surface or can be refracted back to Earth. What is
terrain to use for radio wave this maximum frequency called?
transmission?
Ans. Critical frequency
Ans. Radio horizon is about 1/3 farther
Q22. What three main factors determine

Q15. What is the primary difference the amount of refraction in the
between the radio horizon and the ionosphere?
natural horizon?
Ans.
Ans. Sea water
(a) Density of ionization of the layer
(b) Frequency
Q16. What three factors must be
(c) Angle at which it enters the layer
considered in the transmission of a
surface wave to reduce attenuation?
Ans. Q23. What is the skip zone of a radio
wave?
(a) Electrical properties of the terrain
Ans. A zone of silence between the
(b) Frequency
ground wave and sky wave where there
(c) Polarization of the antenna is no reception
Q17. What causes ionization to occur in Q24. Where does the greatest amount
the ionosphere? of ionospheric absorption occur in the
ionosphere?
Ans. High energy ultraviolet light waves
from the sun Ans. Where ionization density is
greatest
Q18. How are the four distinct layers of

the ionosphere designated? Q25. What is meant by the term
"multipath"?
Ans. D, E, F1, and F2 layers
Ans. A term used to describe the
multiple pattern a radio wave may follow
Q19. What is the height of the individual
layers of the ionosphere?
Q26. When a wide band of frequencies
Ans. D layer is 30-55 miles, E layer 55-
is transmitted simultaneously, each
90 miles, and F layers are 90-240 miles
frequency will vary in the amount of Q32. What are the two general types of
fading. What is this variable fading variations in the ionosphere?
called?
Ans. Regular and irregular variations
Ans. Selective fading
Q27. What are the two main sources of
emi with which radio waves must
compete? Q33. What is the main difference
between these two types of variations?
Ans. Natural and man-made
interference Ans. Regular variations can be
predicted but irregular variations are
unpredictable
Q28. Thunderstorms, snowstorms,
cosmic sources, the sun, etc., are a few
examples of emi sources. What type of Q34. What are the four main classes of
emi comes from these sources? regular variation which affect the extent
of ionization in the ionosphere?
Ans. Natural
Ans. Daily, seasonal, 11-year, and 27-
days variation
Q29. Motors, switches, voltage
regulators, generators, etc., are a few
examples of emi sources. What type of Q35. What are the three more common
emi comes from these sources? types of irregular variations in the
ionosphere?
Ans. Man-made
Ans. Sporadic E, sudden disturbances,
and ionospheric storms
Q30. What are three ways of controlling
the amount of transmitter-generated
emi? Q36. What do the letters muf, luf, and
fot stand for?
Ans.
Ans.
(a) Filtering and shielding of the
transmitter Muf is maximum usable frequency
(b) Limiting bandwidth Luf is lowest usable frequency
(c) Cutting the antenna to thecorrect Fot is commonly known as optimum
frequency working frequency
Q31. What are three ways of controlling Q37. When is muf at its highest and
radiated emi during transmission? why?
Ans. Ans. Muf is highest around noon.
Ultraviolet light waves from the sun are
(a) Physical separation of the antenna
most intense
(b) Limiting bandwidth of the antenna
(c) Use of directional antennas
Q38. What happens to the radio wave if
the luf is too low?
Ans. When luf is too low it is absorbed Q48. Where is the tropospheric region
and is too weak for reception that contributes most strongly to
tropospheric scatter propagation?
Ans. Near the mid-point between the
Q39. What are some disadvantages of
transmitting and receiving antennas, just
operating transmitters at or near the luf?
above the radio horizon
Ans. Signal-to-noise ratio is low and the
probability of multipath propagation is
greater
Q42. How do raindrops affect radio
waves?
Ans. Frequent signal fading and
dropouts
Q43. How does fog affect radio waves

at frequencies above 2 gigahertz?
Ans. It can cause attenuation by
absorbtion
Q44. How is the term "temperature

inversion" used when referring to radio
waves?
Ans. It is a condition where layers of
warm air are formed above layers of
cool air
Q45. How does temperature inversion

affect radio transmission?
Ans. It can cause VHF and UHF
transmission to be propagated far
beyond normal line-of-sight distances
Q46. In what layer of the atmosphere

does virtually all weather phenomena
occur?
Ans. Troposphere
Q47. Which radio frequency bands use

the tropospheric scattering principle for
propagation of radio waves?
Ans. VHF and above
--- END ---

* If you feel the answer/s are

POLARIZATION DIFFRACTION
 For maximum absorption of  The bending, called diffraction,

energy from the electromagnetic results in a change of direction of
fields, the receiving antenna must part of the wave energy from the
be located in the plane of normal line-of-sight path.
polarization.
 For a given angle of incidence
 E field component of the radiated and time of day, there is a
wave travels in a plane maximum frequency that can be
perpendicular to the Earth's used for communications
surface (vertical), the radiation is between two given locations. This
said to be VERTICALLY frequency is known as the
POLARIZED. MAXIMUM USABLE
FREQUENCY (muf).
 E field propagates in a plane
parallel to the Earth's surface  As there is a maximum operating
(horiz), the radiation is said to be frequency that can be used for
HORIZONTALLY POLARIZED communications between two
points, there is also a minimum
 Antennas high above the ground operating frequency. This is
should be horizontally polarized known as the LOWEST USABLE
to get the greatest possible signal FREQUENCY (luf).
strength to the Earth's surface.
 The radiated energy from an  The most practical operating

antenna is in the form of an frequency is one that you can rely
expanding sphere. on with the least amount of
problems. It should be high
 Any small section of this sphere enough to avoid the problems of
is perpendicular to the direction multipath, absorption, and noise
the energy travels and is called a encountered at the lower
WAVEFRONT. frequencies; but not so high as to
result in the adverse effects of
rapid changes in the ionosphere.
REFLECTION OPTIMUM WORKING
 When radio waves are reflected FREQUENCY.
from flat surfaces, a phase shift in
the alternations of the wave  Operating at or near the muf can
occurs. result in frequent signal fading
and dropouts
REFRACTION  Radio waves at the luf can be:

 Radio waves passing through the (a) refracted back to Earth
atmosphere are affected by (b) signal-to-noise ratio is still
certain factors, such as: much lower than at the higher
(a) temperature frequencies
(b) pressure (c) multipath propagation is much
(c) humidity greater
(d) density
3. The hf band
2-1. The induction field is made up of 4. The vhf band
which of the following fields?
1. E field only
2-6. A frequency of 3.5 GHz falls into
2. H field only what rf band?
3. Both E and H fields 1. High
2. Very high
2-2. After the radiation field leaves an 3. Super high
antenna, what is the relationship
4. Extremely high
between the E and H fields with respect
to (a) phase and (b) physical
displacement in space?
2-7. A radio wavelength expressed as
1. (a) In phase (b) 90 degrees 250 meters may also be expressed as
how many feet? (1m = 3.821ft)
2. (a) Out of phase (b) 90 degrees
1. 410
3. (a) In phase (b) 180 degrees
2. 820
4. (a) Out of phase (b) 180 degrees
3. 1,230
4. 1,640
2-3. What is the first harmonic of a radio
wave that has a fundamental frequency
of 2,000 kHz?
2-8. An increase in the frequency of a
1. 6,000 kHz radio wave will have what effect, if any,
on the velocity of the radio wave?
2. 2,000 kHz
1. Increase
3. 3,000 kHz
2. Decrease
4. 4,000 kHz
3. None
2-4. In a radio wave with a fundamental

frequency of 1.5 kHz, which of the 2-9. An increase in frequency of a radio
following frequencies is NOT a wave will have what effect, if any, on the
harmonic? wavelength of the radio wave?
1. 6,000 kHz 1. Increase
2. 5,000 kHz 2. Decrease
3. 3,000 kHz 3. None
4. 4,000 kHz
2-10. What is the frequency, in

kiloHertz, of a radio wave that is 40
2-5. A radio wave with a frequency of 32
meters long?
kHz is part of which of the following
frequency bands? 1. 75
1. The lf band 2. 750
2. The mf band 3. 7,500
4. 75,000
2-11. What is the approximate
wavelength, in feet, of a radio wave with
a frequency of 5,000 kHz?
1. 197 feet
2. 1,970 feet
3. 19,700 feet
4. 197,000 feet
2-12. The polarity of a radio wave is

determined by the orientation of (a) what
moving field with respect to (b) what
reference?
2-15. If the two reflected radio waves
1. (a) Electric (b) earth shown in the figure are received at the
same instant at the receiving site, what
2. (a) Electric (b) antenna
will be the effect, if any, on signal
3. (a) Magnetic (b) antenna quality?
4. (a) Magneti (b) earth 1. A stronger signal will be produced

2. A weak or fading signal will be
produced
2-13. Energy radiated from an antenna
is considered horizontally polarized 3. The signal will be completely
under which of the following canceled out
conditions?
4. None
1. If the wavefront is in the horizontal
plane
2-16. The bending of a radio wave
2. If the magnetic field is in the
because of a change in its velocity
horizontal plane
through a medium is known as
3. If the electric field is in the horizontal
1. refraction
plane
2. reflection
4. If the induction field is in the
horizontal plane 3. deflection
4. diffraction
2-14. The ability of a reflecting surface
to reflect a specific radio wave depends
2-17. Radio communications can be
on which of the following factors?
diffracted to exceptionally long distances
1. Striking angle through the use of (a) what frequency
band at (b) what relative power level?
2. Wavelength of the wave
1. (a) Very low frequency
3. Size of the reflecting area
(b) Low power
4. All of the above
2. (a) Very high frequency
(b) Low power
3. (a) Very low frequency 4. (a) Horizontal (b) Low

(b) High power
4. (a) Very high frequency 2-22. The Navy’s long-range vlf
broadcasts are possible because of the
(b) High power
advantages of which of the following
types of propagation?
2-18. Electrically charged particles that 1. Diffraction

affect the propagation of radio waves
2. Ionospheric refraction
are found in what atmospheric layer?
3. Repeated reflection and refraction
1. Troposphere
4. Both 2 and 3 above
2. Ionosphere
3. Chronosphere
2-23. A space wave (a) is primarily a
4. Stratosphere
result of refraction in what atmospheric
layer and (b) extends approximately
what distance beyond the horizon?
2-19. Most weather phenomena take
place in which of the following region of 1. (a) Ionosphere
the atmosphere?
(b) One-tenth farther
1. Troposphere
2. (a) Ionosphere
2. Ionosphere
(b) One-third farther
3. Chronosphere
3. (a) Troposphere
4. Stratosphere
(b) One-third farther
4. (a) Troposphere
2-20. Radio wave propagation has the
(b) One-tenth farther
least effect because of its constancy on
which of the following atmospheric
layers?
2-24. The signal of a space wave is
1. Troposphere sometimes significantly reduced at the
receiving site because of which of the
2. Ionosphere
following interactions?
3. Chronosphere
1. Space-wave refraction
4. Stratosphere
2. Space-wave reflections
3. Ground-wave diffraction
2-21. Long range, surface-wave
4. Ground-wave reflections
communications are best achieved
when the signal is transmitted over
seawater with (a) what polarization at
2-25. For long-range communications in
(b) what relative frequency?
the hf band, which of the following types
1. (a) Vertical (b) Low of waves is most satisfactory?
2. (a) Vertical (b) High 1. Sky wave
3. (a) Horizontal (b) High 2. Space wave
3. Surface wave 3. E and F2

4. Reflected ground wave 4. F1 and F2
2-26. Ionization in the atmosphere is 2-31. For hf-radio communications
produced chiefly by which of the covering long distances, what is the
following types of radiation? most important layer of the ionosphere?
1. Alpha radiation 1. C
2. Cosmic radiation 2. D
3. Infrared radiation 3. E
4. Ultraviolet radiation 4. F
2-27. Ultraviolet waves of higher 2-32. Refraction of a sky wave in the

frequencies produce ionized layers at ionosphere is influenced by which of the
what relative altitude(s)? following factors?
1. Lower 1. Ionospheric density
2. Higher 2. Frequency of the wave
3. Both 1 and 2 above 3. Angle of incidence of the wave
4. All of the above
2-28. The density of ionized layers is
normally greatest during which of the
2-33. A 10-MHz wave entering the
following periods?
ionosphere at an angle greater than its
1. At night critical angle will pass through the
ionosphere and be lost in space unless
2. Before sunrise
which of the following actions is taken?
3. Between early morning and late
1. The ground wave is canceled
afternoon
2. The frequency of the wave is
4. Between afternoon and sunset
increased
3. The frequency of the wave is
2-29. Compared to the other ionospheric decreased
layers at higher altitudes, the ionization
4. The ground wave is reinforced
density of the D layer is
1. about the same
2-34. The distance between the
2. relatively low
transmitter and the nearest point at
3. relatively high which refracted waves return to earth is
referred to as the
1. skip distance
2-30. What two layers in the ionosphere
recombine and largely disappear at 2. return distance
night?
3. reception distance
1. D and F
4. ground-wave distance
2. D and E
2-39. Radio waves that arrive at a

receiving site along different paths can
2-35. When ground-wave coverage is
cause signal fading if these waves have
LESS than the distance between the
different
transmitter and the nearest point at
which the refracted waves return to 1. velocities
earth, which of the following reception
2. amplitudes
possibilities should you expect?
3. phase relationships
1. No sky-wave
4. modulation percentages
2. Weak ground wave
3. A zone of silence
2-40. The technique of reducing
4. Strong ground wave
multipath fading by using several
receiving antennas at different locations
is known as what type of diversity?
2-36. The greatest amount of absorption
takes place in the ionosphere under 1. Space
which of the following conditions?
2. Receiver
1. When sky wave intensity is the
3. Frequency
greatest
4. Modulation
2. When collision of particles is least
3. When the density of the ionized layer
2-41. The amount of rf energy lost
is the greatest
because of ground reflections depends
4. When precipitation is greatest on which of the following factors?
1. Angle of incidence
2-37. Which of the following layers 2. Ground irregularities
provide the greatest amount of
3. Frequency of the wave
absorption to the ionospheric wave?
4. Each of the above
1. D and E
2. D and F1
2-42. Receiving sites located near
3. E and F1
industrial areas can expect to have
4. F1 and F2 exceptionally large losses in signal
quality as a result of which of the
following propagation situations?
2-38. If the signal strength of an
1. Absorption
incoming signal is reduced for a
prolonged period, what type of fading is 2. Multihop refraction
most likely involved?
3. Natural interference
1. Selective
4. Man-made interference
2. Multipath
3. Absorption
4. Polarization
2-43. Which of the following ionospheric 4. Ionospheric storms

variation causes densities to vary with
the axial rotation of the sun?
2-48. What effect can the sporadic-E
1. Daily variation
layer have on the propagation of sky
2. Seasonal variation waves?
3. 27-day sunspot cycle 1. Causes multipath interference
4. 11-year sunspot cycle 2. Permits long distance
communications at unusually high
frequencies
2-44. Which of the following ionospheric
3. Permits short-distance
communications in the normal skip zone
the position of the earth in its orbit
around the sun? 4. Each of the above
1. Daily variation
2. Seasonal variation 2-49. A sudden and intense burst of
ultraviolet light is especially disruptive to
3. 27-day sunspot cycle
communications in which of the
4. 11-year sunspot cycle following frequency bands?
1. Hf
2-45. Which of the following ionospheric 2. Mf

3. Lf
the time of the day?
4. Vlf
1. Daily variation
2. Seasonal variation
2-50. The density of what ionosphere
3. 27-day sunspot cycle
layer increases because of a violent
4. 11-year sunspot cycle eruption on the surface of the sun?
1. D
2-46. What relative range of operating 2. E

frequencies is required during periods of
3. F1
maximum sunspot activity?
4. F2
1. Lower
2. Medium
2-51. Which irregular variation in
3. Higher
ionospheric conditions can cause a
waiting period of several days before
communications return to normal?
2-47. What factor significantly affects
the frequency of occurrence of the 1. Sporadic E
sporadic-E layer?
2. Ionospheric storms
1. Seasons
3. Sudden ionospheric disturbance
2. Latitude
3. Weather conditions
2-52. For a radio wave entering the from raindrops is caused by which of the
atmosphere of the earth at a given following factors?
angle, the highest frequency at which
1. Ducting
refraction will occur is known by which
of the following terms? 2. Heat loss
1. Usable frequency 3. Scattering
2. Refraction frequency 4. Absorption
3. Maximum usable frequency
4. Optimum working frequency 2-57. Under certain conditions, such as
ducting, line-of-sight radio waves often
propagate for distances far beyond their
2-53. The most consistent normal ranges because of which of the
communications can be expected at following factors?
which of the following frequencies?
1. Low cloud masses
1. Critical frequency
2. Ionospheric storms
2. Maximum usable frequency
3. Temperature inversions
3. Maximum working frequency
4. Frequency fluctuations
4. Optimum working frequency
2-58. When ducting is present in the

2-54. If the optimum working frequency atmosphere, multihop refraction of line-
for a communications link is 4,250 kHz, of-sight transmission can occur because
what is the approximate maximum of which of the following factors?
usable frequency?
1. Operating frequency of the transmitter
1. 4,500 kHz
2. Height of the transmitting antenna
2. 5,000 kHz
3. Angle of incidence of the radio wave
3. 5,500 kHz
4. 6,000 kHz
2-59. A propagation technique used to

2-55. In determining the success of extend uhf transmission range beyond
radio transmission, which of the the horizon uses which of the following
following factors is the LEAST propagation characteristics?
predictable?
1. Ground reflection
1. Antenna capabilities
2. Ionospheric scatter
2. Weather conditions along the path of
3. Tropospheric scatter
communication
4. Atmospheric refraction
3. Density of ionized layers
4. Presence of ionized layers
2-60. Communications by tropospheric
scatter can be affected by which of the
2-56. At frequencies above 100 MHz, following conditions?
the greatest attenuation of rf energy
1. Sunspot activity
2. Atmospheric conditions 2-64. For which of the following

communications situations would
3. Ionospheric disturbances
turbulence in the troposphere scatter
4. All of the above transmission?
1. 10 MHz, range 200 miles
2-61. What effect, if any, does the 2. 30 MHz, range 800 miles
radiation angle of a transmitting antenna
3. 50 MHz, range 600 miles
have on the reception of
communications by tropospheric 4. 100 MHz, range 400 miles
scatter?
1. The lower the angle, the weaker the
--- END ---
signal
2. The lower the angle, the stronger the
signal * If you feel the answer/s are incorrect,
just change them.
3. The lower the angle, the more
susceptible the signal is to distortion
4. None
2-62. Which of the following descriptions

of tropospheric scatter signal reception
is
NOT true?
1. Receiver signal strength decreases
as the turbulence height is increased
2. The level of reception depends on the
number of turbulences causing scatter
3. The energy received is the portion of
the wave reradiated by the turbulence
4. Increased communications distance
enables more turbulence to act on the
signal, thereby raising the received
signal level
2-63. The tropospheric scatter signal is

often characterized by very rapid fading
caused by which of the following
factors?
1. Extreme path lengths
2. Multipath propagation
3. Turbulence in the atmosphere
4. Angle of the transmitted beam
5. Which of the following are

electromagnetic:
a. radio waves
b. light
c. gamma waves
Source: BLAKE Chap 15
d. all of the above
Multiple Choice
6. The electric and magnetic fields of a
1. Radio waves were first predicted
radio wave are:
mathematically by:
a. perpendicular to each other
a. Armstrong
b. perpendicular to the direction of travel
b. Hertz
c. both a and b
c. Maxwell
d. none of the above
d. Marconi
7. TEM stands for:

2. Radio waves were first
demonstrated experimentally by: a. Transverse Electromagnetic
a. Armstrong b. Transmitted Electromagnetic
b. Hertz c. True Electromagnetic
c. Maxwell d. none of the above
d. Marconi
8. In free space, radio waves travel at
a speed of:
3. The technology that made cell
phones practical was: a. 3 × 10^6 meters per second
a. the microprocessor chip b. 300 × 10^6 meters per second
b. the miniature cell-site c. 3 × 10^6 miles per second
c. high-power microwave transmitters d. 300 × 10^6 miles per second
d. all of the above
9. Which is a possible polarization for
an electromagnetic wave:
4. Cell phones reduce much of the
problems of mobile communications a. vertical
with:
b. horizontal
a. high power levels
c. circular
b. high antennas
d. all of the above
c. reuse of frequencies
d. all of the above
10. Which polarization can be
reasonably well received by a circularly
polarized antenna:
a. vertical 15. Ground waves are most effective:

b. horizontal a. below about 2 MHz
c. circular b. above about 20 MHz
d. all of the above c. at microwave frequencies
11. The number of circular polarization d. when using horizontally polarized
modes (directions) is: waves
a. 1
b. 2 16. Radio waves would most strongly
c. 3 reflect off:
d. many a. a flat insulating surface of the right
size
b. a flat dielectric surface of the right
12. An antenna has "gain" as
size
compared to:
c. a flat metallic surface of the right
a. an isotropic radiator
size
c. a ground-wave antenna
d. a flat body of water
b. a vertically polarized radiator
17. Radio waves sometimes "bend"
around a corner because of:
13. EIRP stands for:
a. reflection
a. the E and I fields of the Radiated
Power b. diffusion
b. the Effective Isotropic Radiated c. refraction
Power
d. diffraction
c. the Effective Internal Reflected Power
d. the Electric-field Intensity of the
18. Space waves are:
Radiated Power
a. line-of-sight
b. reflected off the ionosphere c.
14. The "attenuation of free space" is
same as sky waves
due to:
d. radio waves used for satellite
a. losses in the characteristic
communications
impedance of free space
b. losses due to absorption in the
upper atmosphere 19. Sky waves:
c. the decrease in energy per a. are line-of-sight
square meter due to expansion of the
wavefront b. "bounce" off the ionosphere
d. the decrease in energy per square c. are same as space waves

meter due to absorption of the wavefront d. are radio waves used for satellite
communications
20. Sky waves cannot be "heard": a. the cell area is increased

a. close to the transmitter b. the cell area is split
b. far from the transmitter c. the power levels are increased
c. in the "silent" zone d. the number of channels is reduced
d. in the "skip" zone
26. As a cell-phone user passes from
one cell to another:
21. A 20-dB reduction in the strength of
a radio wave due to reflection is called: a. a "handoff" process occurs
a. fading b. a "sectoring" process occurs
b. diffraction c. both cells will handle the call
c. frequency diversity d. nothing occurs
d. spatial diversity
27. To receive several data streams at
once, a CDMA spread-spectrum system
22. "Ghosts" on a TV screen are an
uses:
example of:
a. a "funnel" receiver
a. fading
b. a "rake" receiver
b. diffraction
c. multiple receivers
c. multipath distortion
d. cancellation due to reflection
28. The troposphere is the:

23. A "repeater" is used to:
a. highest layer of the atmosphere
a. send a message multiple times over
a channel b. middle layer of the atmosphere
b. send a message over multiple c. lowest layer of the atmosphere
channels at the same time
d. the most ionized layer of the
c. extend the range of a radio atmosphere
communications system
d. cancel the effects of fading
29. Meteor-trail propagation is:
a. used for radio telephony
24. Cellular phone systems rely on:
b. used to send data by radio
a. high power
c. also called "ducting"
b. repeaters
d. not possible
c. the radio horizon
d. the reuse of frequencies
25. If the number of cell-phone users

within a cell increases above some limit:
9. The wavefront of a point source

would have the shape of a _____
ANS: sphere
10. At a far distance from the source, a

Identification
radio wavefront looks like a flat _____ -
1. Radio waves were mathematically wave.
predicted by .
ANS: plane
ANS: Maxwell
11. The polarization of a radio wave is

2. Radio waves were first the direction of its _____ field.
demonstrated by
ANS: electric
ANS: Hertz
12. The electric field of a radio wave is

3. Radio waves are electromagnetic _____ to its magnetic field.
waves.
ANS: perpendicular
ANS: transverse
13. Both the electric and magnetic

4. The propagation speed of radio fields of a radio wave are ______ to its
waves in free space is m/sec. propagation direction.
ANS: 300 × 10^6 ANS: perpendicular
5. Electromagnetic radiation can be 14. With _____ polarization, the

thought of as a stream of particles called direction of a radio wave's electric field
rotates as it travels through space.
ANS: photons
ANS: circular
6. Unlike sound or water waves, radio

waves do not need a ______ to travel 15. An antenna is said to have ______
through. in a certain direction if it radiates more
power in that direction than in other
ANS: medium directions.
ANS: gain
7. The dielectric strength of clean dry
air is about _____ volts per meter.
16. The watts per square meter of a
ANS: 3 × 10^6 radio wave ______ as the wave-front
moves through space.
8. Waves from an _____ source ANS: decrease

radiate equally in all directions.
ANS: isotropic
17. Reflection of plane-waves from a 25. The "fast fading" seen in mobile
smooth surface is called ______ communications is caused by ______
reflection. waves interfering with direct waves.
ANS: specular ANS: reflected
18. ______ is the "bending" of radio

waves as they travel across the
26. Cell phones typically operate at a
boundary between two different
______ power level.
dielectrics.
ANS: low
ANS: Refraction
27. The ______ of frequencies allows

19. The process of ______ makes
many cell-phone users to share a
radio waves appear to "bend around a
geographical area.
corner".
ANS: reuse
ANS: diffraction
28. ______ is when a cell-site uses

20.______ waves travel from
three directional antennas, each
transmitter to receiver in a "line-of-sight"
covering a third of the cell area, to
fashion.
reduce interference.
ANS: Space
ANS: Sectoring
21. ______ waves are vertically

29. The use of ______ chips makes
polarized radio waves that travel along
cell phones a practical technology.
the earth's surface.
ANS: microprocessor
ANS: Ground
22. ______ waves are radio waves that

"bounce off" the ionosphere due to
refraction.
ANS: Sky
23. The ______ zone is a region where

sky waves cannot be received.
ANS: skip
24. "Ghosts" on a TV screen are an

example of ______ distortion.
ANS: multipath
−10 2
P D=7.9577 x 10 W /m
−12 2
P D=795.77 x 10 W /m
P D=796 pW /m2
3. What power must a point-source of

Problem Solving radio waves transmit so that the power
density at 3000 meters from the source
1. A certain dielectric has permittivity of
is 1 µW/m^2?
6.3 × 10^–10 F/m and the same
permeability as free space. What is ANS:
the characteristic impedance of that
113 watts
dielectric?
ANS:
Solution:
45 ohms
Pt
P D= 2
4πr
Solution:
Pt
1 µW /m2 =
μ
√
3 2
ZO = O 4 π (3 x 10 )
εr
Isolate Pt;
√
−7
4 πx 10 W
ZO = −10 (1 µ )¿
6.3 x 10 m2
ZO =44.66 Ω −6
Pt =(1 x 10 ) ¿
ZO =44.66 Ω Pt =36 π W
Pt =113 W
2. If a point source of radio waves
transmits 1 watt, what is the power
density 10,000 meters from the source? 4. If a radio receiver needs 1 nW/m^2 of
power density to function, how far away
ANS: from a 1-watt point source will it
796 pW/m^2 continue to work?
ANS:
Solution: 8.9 km
Pt
P D= 2
4πr Solution:
1W Pt
P D= 3 2 P D=
4 π (10 x 10 ) 4 π r2
Note: r is always in km. 2 1W
1 nW /m = 2
4πr
P D=7.9577 x 10
−10 2
W /m −9 1
1 x 10 =
4 π r2
Can be solved by SHIFT+SOLVE or

algebra.
r =8920.62m
Note: r is always in km.
r =8.9 km
ADDITIONAL
5. A line-of-sight radio link over flat
terrain needs to use antenna towers 50 6. A mobile radio is being used at 1 GHz
km apart. What, approximately, is the in an urban environment with lots of
minimum height for the towers reflecting structures. If the car is
assuming all the towers are the traveling 36 km/hour, what is the
same? expected time between fades?
ANS: ANS:
37 meters 15 msec
Solution: Given:
D km =√ 17 ht (m) + √ 17 hr (m)
9
f c =1GHz =1 x 10 Hz
Note: “assuming all the towers are the v m=36 km /h

same”. So, ht (m) and hr (m) is equal.
Required:
* Let ht (m) and hr (m) equal to X.
T f =?
D km =√ 17 X + √ 17 X
Solution:
Can be solved by SHIFT+SOLVE or
c
algebra. Tf=
2 f c vm
8
3 x 10 m /s
50=√17 X+ √ 17 X Tf= 9 3
2(1 x 10 )(36 x 10 m /h)
Note: Dkm is already in km. So, the value
input is only 50. Not50 x 103 .
Note: v m must be converted to m/s.
X = 36.76m
36 x 103 m 1h 1 min
Hence; x x
h 60 mins 60 sec
ht (m) =¿ hr (m) =37 m
Hence;
3
36 x 10
v m= m/ sec
3600
3 x 10 8 m/ s
Tf= 3
9 36 x 10
2(1 x 10 )( m/ sec)
3600
T f =0.015 sec
T f =15 msec

Solution:: F = V Λ F = 3X 10 F = 3X 10 F =5 Mhz

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Solution:: F = V Λ F = 3X 10 F = 3X 10 F =5 Mhz

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Q1. Which two composite fields

E and H fields) is propagated into free f=

Q8. If a transmitting antenna is placed

Q5. What is the term used to describe a

λ=¿ 30 m Q12. Which layer of the atmosphere has

Q22. What three main factors determine

Q18. How are the four distinct layers of

Q43. How does fog affect radio waves

Q44. How is the term "temperature

Q45. How does temperature inversion

Q46. In what layer of the atmosphere

Q47. Which radio frequency bands use

--- END ---

* If you feel the answer/s are

 For maximum absorption of  The bending, called diffraction,

 The radiated energy from an  The most practical operating

REFRACTION  Radio waves at the luf can be:

2-4. In a radio wave with a fundamental

2-10. What is the frequency, in

2-12. The polarity of a radio wave is

4. (a) Magneti (b) earth 1. A stronger signal will be produced

3. (a) Very low frequency 4. (a) Horizontal (b) Low

2-18. Electrically charged particles that 1. Diffraction

3. Surface wave 3. E and F2

2-27. Ultraviolet waves of higher 2-32. Refraction of a sky wave in the

2-39. Radio waves that arrive at a

2-43. Which of the following ionospheric 4. Ionospheric storms

2-45. Which of the following ionospheric 2. Mf

2-46. What relative range of operating 2. E

2-58. When ducting is present in the

2-59. A propagation technique used to

2. Atmospheric conditions 2-64. For which of the following

2-62. Which of the following descriptions

2-63. The tropospheric scatter signal is

5. Which of the following are

7. TEM stands for:

a. vertical 15. Ground waves are most effective:

d. the decrease in energy per square c. are same as space waves

20. Sky waves cannot be "heard": a. the cell area is increased

28. The troposphere is the:

25. If the number of cell-phone users

9. The wavefront of a point source

10. At a far distance from the source, a

11. The polarization of a radio wave is

12. The electric field of a radio wave is

13. Both the electric and magnetic

ANS: 300 × 10^6 ANS: perpendicular

5. Electromagnetic radiation can be 14. With _____ polarization, the

6. Unlike sound or water waves, radio

8. Waves from an _____ source ANS: decrease

18. ______ is the "bending" of radio

27. The ______ of frequencies allows

28. ______ is when a cell-site uses

21. ______ waves are vertically

22. ______ waves are radio waves that

23. The ______ zone is a region where

24. "Ghosts" on a TV screen are an

3. What power must a point-source of

Can be solved by SHIFT+SOLVE or

Note: “assuming all the towers are the v m=36 km /h

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