Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Q1. Which two composite fields Q7. A station is known to operate at 60-
(composed of E and H fields) are meters. What is the frequency of the
associated with every antenna? unknown station?
Ans. Induction field and radiation field Ans. 5 MHz
Solution:
Q2. What composite field (composed of 𝒗
𝒇=
E and H fields) is found stored in the 𝝀
antenna? 3𝑥10^8
𝑓=
Ans. Induction field 60
3𝑥10^8
𝑓=
60
Q3. What composite field (composed of
𝒇 = 𝟓𝑴𝑯𝒛
E and H fields) is propagated into free
space?
Ans. Radiation field Q8. If a transmitting antenna is placed
close to the ground, how should the
antenna be polarized to give the greatest
Q4. What is the term used to describe the signal strength?
basic frequency of a radio wave?
Ans. Vertically polarized
Ans. Fundamental frequency

Q9. In the right-hand rule for propagation,

Q5. What is the term used to describe a the thumb points in the direction of the E
whole number multiple of the basic field and the forefinger points in the
frequency of a radio wave? direction of the H field. In what direction
does the middle finger point?
Ans. Harmonic frequency or harmonics
Ans. Direction of wave propagation

Q6. It is known that WWV operates on a

frequency of 10 megahertz. What is the Q10. What is one of the major reasons
wavelength of WWV? for the fading of radio waves which have
been reflected from a surface?
Ans. 30 meters
Ans. Shifting in the phase relationships
Solution:
of the wave
𝒗
𝒇=
𝝀
Where; Q11. What are the three layers of the
f = frequency (Hz) atmosphere?
v = speed of light (3x10^8 m/s)
Ans. Troposphere, stratosphere, and
𝜆 = wavelength (m)
ionosphere

𝑣 3𝑥10^8
𝜆 = =
𝑓 10𝑥10^6 Q12. Which layer of the atmosphere has
relatively little effect on radio waves?
Ans. Stratosphere
𝝀 = 30 m

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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 the
ground wave or a space wave? 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 of
the ionosphere? 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 Q25. What is meant by the term
the ionosphere designated? "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 is
transmitted simultaneously, each
Ans. D layer is 30-55 miles, E layer 55-
frequency will vary in the amount of
90 miles, and F layers are 90-240 miles
fading. What is this variable fading
called?
Ans. Selective fading

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Q27. What are the two main sources of Q33. What is the main difference
emi with which radio waves must between these two types of variations?
compete?
Ans. Regular variations can be predicted
Ans. Natural and man-made interference but irregular variations are unpredictable

Q28. Thunderstorms, snowstorms, Q34. What are the four main classes of
cosmic sources, the sun, etc., are a few regular variation which affect the extent
examples of emi sources. What type of of ionization in the ionosphere?
emi comes from these sources?
Ans. Daily, seasonal, 11-year, and 27-
Ans. Natural days variation

Q29. Motors, switches, voltage Q35. What are the three more common
regulators, generators, etc., are a few types of irregular variations in the
examples of emi sources. What type of ionosphere?
emi comes from these sources?
Ans. Sporadic E, sudden disturbances,
Ans. Man-made and ionospheric storms

Q30. What are three ways of controlling Q36. What do the letters muf, luf, and fot
the amount of transmitter-generated stand for?
emi?
Ans.
Ans.
Muf is maximum usable frequency
(a) Filtering and shielding of the
Luf is lowest usable frequency
transmitter
Fot is commonly known as optimum
(b) Limiting bandwidth
working frequency
(c) Cutting the antenna to thecorrect
frequency
Q37. When is muf at its highest and why?
Ans. Muf is highest around noon.
Q31. What are three ways of controlling
Ultraviolet light waves from the sun are
radiated emi during transmission?
most intense
Ans.
(a) Physical separation of the antenna
Q38. What happens to the radio wave if
(b) Limiting bandwidth of the antenna the luf is too low?
(c) Use of directional antennas Ans. When luf is too low it is absorbed
and is too weak for reception

Q32. What are the two general types of

variations in the ionosphere? Q39. What are some disadvantages of
operating transmitters at or near the luf?
Ans. Regular and irregular variations
Ans. Signal-to-noise ratio is low and the
probability of multipath propagation is
greater

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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

Q48. Where is the tropospheric region --- END ---

that contributes most strongly to
tropospheric scatter propagation?
Ans. Near the mid-point between the * If you feel the answer/s are
transmitting and receiving antennas, just incorrect, just change them.
above the radio horizon

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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 and
 E field component of the radiated time of day, there is a maximum
wave travels in a plane frequency that can be used for
perpendicular to the Earth's communications between two
surface (vertical), the radiation is given locations. This frequency is
said to be VERTICALLY known as the MAXIMUM
POLARIZED. USABLE FREQUENCY (muf).

 E field propagates in a plane  As there is a maximum operating

parallel to the Earth's surface frequency that can be used for
(horiz), the radiation is said to be communications between two
HORIZONTALLY POLARIZED points, there is also a minimum
operating frequency. This is
 Antennas high above the ground known as the LOWEST USABLE
should be horizontally polarized to FREQUENCY (luf).
get the greatest possible signal
strength to the Earth's surface.
 The most practical operating
 The radiated energy from an frequency is one that you can rely
antenna is in the form of an on with the least amount of
expanding sphere. problems. It should be high
enough to avoid the problems of
 Any small section of this sphere is multipath, absorption, and noise
perpendicular to the direction the encountered at the lower
energy travels and is called a frequencies; but not so high as to
WAVEFRONT. result in the adverse effects of
rapid changes in the ionosphere.
OPTIMUM WORKING
REFLECTION FREQUENCY.
 When radio waves are reflected
from flat surfaces, a phase shift in  Operating at or near the muf can
the alternations of the wave result in frequent signal fading and
occurs. dropouts

 Radio waves at the luf can be:

REFRACTION
(a) refracted back to Earth
 Radio waves passing through the (b) signal-to-noise ratio is still
atmosphere are affected by much lower than at the higher
certain factors, such as: frequencies
(a) temperature (c) multipath propagation is much
(b) pressure greater
(c) humidity
(d) density

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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 meters long?
2-5. A radio wave with a frequency of 32
kHz is part of which of the following 1. 75
frequency bands?
2. 750
1. The lf band
3. 7,500
2. The mf band
4. 75,000
3. The hf band

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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 2-15. If the two reflected radio waves
reference? shown in the figure are received at the
same instant at the receiving site, what
1. (a) Electric (b) earth
will be the effect, if any, on signal quality?
2. (a) Electric (b) antenna
1. A stronger signal will be produced
3. (a) Magnetic (b) antenna
2. A weak or fading signal will be
4. (a) Magneti (b) earth produced
3. The signal will be completely canceled
out
2-13. Energy radiated from an antenna is
considered horizontally polarized under 4. None
which of the following conditions?
1. If the wavefront is in the horizontal
2-16. The bending of a radio wave
plane
because of a change in its velocity
2. If the magnetic field is in the horizontal through a medium is known as
plane
1. refraction
3. If the electric field is in the horizontal
2. reflection
plane
3. deflection
4. If the induction field is in the horizontal
plane 4. diffraction

2-14. The ability of a reflecting surface to 2-17. Radio communications can be

reflect a specific radio wave depends on diffracted to exceptionally long distances
which of the following factors? through the use of (a) what frequency
band at (b) what relative power level?
1. Striking angle
1. (a) Very low frequency
2. Wavelength of the wave
(b) Low power
3. Size of the reflecting area
2. (a) Very high frequency
4. All of the above
(b) Low power
3. (a) Very low frequency
(b) High power

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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 are
2. Ionospheric refraction
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 (b) what
2-25. For long-range communications in
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
4. (a) Horizontal (b) Low 3. Surface wave
4. Reflected ground wave

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

2-26. Ionization in the atmosphere is 2-31. For hf-radio communications

produced chiefly by which of the following covering long distances, what is the most
types of radiation? 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 which
3. relatively high 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
3. E and F2
4. F1 and F2

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

2-35. When ground-wave coverage is 2-39. Radio waves that arrive at a

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

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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
3. Permits short-distance
2-44. Which of the following ionospheric
communications in the normal skip zone
variation causes densities to vary with
the position of the earth in its orbit around 4. Each of the above
the sun?
1. Daily variation
2-49. A sudden and intense burst of
2. Seasonal variation ultraviolet light is especially disruptive to
communications in which of the following
3. 27-day sunspot cycle
frequency bands?
4. 11-year sunspot cycle
1. Hf
2. Mf
2-45. Which of the following ionospheric
3. Lf
variation causes densities to vary with
the time of the day? 4. Vlf
1. Daily variation
2. Seasonal variation 2-50. The density of what ionosphere
layer increases because of a violent
3. 27-day sunspot cycle
eruption on the surface of the sun?
4. 11-year sunspot cycle
1. D
2. E
2-46. What relative range of operating
3. F1
frequencies is required during periods of
maximum sunspot activity? 4. F2
1. Lower
2. Medium 2-51. Which irregular variation in
ionospheric conditions can cause a
3. Higher
waiting period of several days before
communications return to normal?

2-47. What factor significantly affects the 1. Sporadic E

frequency of occurrence of the sporadic-
2. Ionospheric storms
E layer?
3. Sudden ionospheric disturbance
1. Seasons
4. Each of the above
2. Latitude
3. Weather conditions

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

2-52. For a radio wave entering the 1. Ducting

atmosphere of the earth at a given angle,
2. Heat loss
the highest frequency at which refraction
will occur is known by which of the 3. Scattering
following terms?
4. Absorption
1. Usable frequency
2. Refraction frequency
2-57. Under certain conditions, such as
3. Maximum usable frequency ducting, line-of-sight radio waves often
propagate for distances far beyond their
4. Optimum working frequency
normal ranges because of which of the
following factors?
2-53. The most consistent 1. Low cloud masses
communications can be expected at
2. Ionospheric storms
which of the following frequencies?
3. Temperature inversions
1. Critical frequency
4. Frequency fluctuations
2. Maximum usable frequency
3. Maximum working frequency
2-58. When ducting is present in the
4. Optimum working frequency
atmosphere, multihop refraction of line-
of-sight transmission can occur because
of which of the following factors?
2-54. If the optimum working frequency
for a communications link is 4,250 kHz, 1. Operating frequency of the transmitter
what is the approximate maximum
2. Height of the transmitting antenna
usable frequency?
3. Angle of incidence of the radio wave
1. 4,500 kHz
4. Each of the above
2. 5,000 kHz
3. 5,500 kHz
2-59. A propagation technique used to
4. 6,000 kHz
extend uhf transmission range beyond
the horizon uses which of the following
propagation characteristics?
2-55. In determining the success of radio
transmission, which of the following 1. Ground reflection
factors is the LEAST predictable?
2. Ionospheric scatter
1. Antenna capabilities
3. Tropospheric scatter
2. Weather conditions along the path of
4. Atmospheric refraction
communication
3. Density of ionized layers
2-60. Communications by tropospheric
4. Presence of ionized layers
scatter can be affected by which of the
following conditions?
2-56. At frequencies above 100 MHz, the 1. Sunspot activity
greatest attenuation of rf energy from
2. Atmospheric conditions
raindrops is caused by which of the
following factors? 3. Ionospheric disturbances

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

4. All of the above 2. 30 MHz, range 800 miles

3. 50 MHz, range 600 miles
2-61. What effect, if any, does the 4. 100 MHz, range 400 miles
radiation angle of a transmitting antenna
have on the reception of communications
by tropospheric scatter? --- END ---
1. The lower the angle, the weaker the
signal
* If you feel the answer/s are incorrect,
2. The lower the angle, the stronger the just change them.
signal
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

2-64. For which of the following

communications situations would
turbulence in the troposphere scatter
transmission?
1. 10 MHz, range 200 miles

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Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Source: BLAKE Chap 15 d. all of the above

Multiple Choice 6. The electric and magnetic fields of a

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

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
d. none of the above
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

15. Ground waves are most effective:

a. below about 2 MHz 20. Sky waves cannot be "heard":

b. above about 20 MHz a. close to the transmitter

c. at microwave frequencies b. far from the transmitter

c. in the "silent" zone

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

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. none of the above
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:
a. the cell area is increased
b. the cell area is split
c. the power levels are increased
d. the number of channels is reduced

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Identification 10. At a far distance from the source, a

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 fields

4. The propagation speed of radio
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
ANS: photons rotates as it travels through space.
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
ANS: medium power in that direction than in other
directions.
ANS: gain
7. The dielectric strength of clean dry air
is about _____ volts per meter.
ANS: 3 × 10^6 16. The watts per square meter of a
radio wave ______ as the wave-front
moves through space.
8. Waves from an _____ source radiate ANS: decrease
equally in all directions.
ANS: isotropic
17. Reflection of plane-waves from a
smooth surface is called ______
9. The wavefront of a point source would reflection.
have the shape of a _____ ANS: specular
ANS: sphere

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

18. ______ is the "bending" of radio 26. Cell phones typically operate at a
waves as they travel across the boundary ______ power level.
between two different dielectrics.
ANS: low
ANS: Refraction

27. The ______ of frequencies allows

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

20.______ waves travel from transmitter 28. ______ is when a cell-site uses three
to receiver in a "line-of-sight" fashion. directional antennas, each covering a
third of the cell area, to reduce
ANS: Space
interference.
ANS: Sectoring
21. ______ waves are vertically polarized
radio waves that travel along the earth's
surface. 29. The use of ______ chips makes cell
phones a practical technology.
ANS: Ground
ANS: microprocessor

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

25. The "fast fading" seen in mobile

communications is caused by ______
waves interfering with direct waves.
ANS: reflected

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

Problem Solving 3. What power must a point-source of

radio waves transmit so that the power
1. A certain dielectric has permittivity of
density at 3000 meters from the source
6.3 × 10^–10 F/m and the same
is 1 µW/m^2?
permeability as free space. What is the
characteristic impedance of that ANS:
dielectric?
113 watts
ANS:
45 ohms
Solution:
𝑃𝑡
𝑃𝐷 =
Solution: 4𝜋𝑟 2
𝑃𝑡
𝝁𝑶 1 µ𝑊/𝑚^2 =
𝑍𝑂 = √ 4𝜋(3𝑥103 )2
𝜀𝑟
Isolate Pt;

4𝜋𝑥10−7 𝑊
𝑍𝑂 = √ (1 µ )(4𝜋)(3𝑥103 )2 = 𝑃𝑡
6.3𝑥10−10 𝑚2
𝑃𝑡 = (1𝑥10−6 )(4𝜋)(3𝑥103 )2
𝑍𝑂 = 44.66 𝛺
𝑃𝑡 = 36𝜋 𝑊
𝒁𝑶 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟔𝟔 𝜴
𝑷𝒕 = 𝟏𝟏𝟑 𝑾

2. If a point source of radio waves

transmits 1 watt, what is the power 4. If a radio receiver needs 1 nW/m^2 of
density 10,000 meters from the source? power density to function, how far away
from a 1-watt point source will it continue
ANS:
to work?
796 pW/m^2
ANS:
8.9 km
Solution:
𝑃𝑡
𝑃𝐷 = Solution:
4𝜋𝑟 2
𝑃𝑡
1𝑊 𝑃𝐷 =
𝑃𝐷 = 4𝜋𝑟 2
4𝜋(10𝑥103 )2
1𝑊
Note: r is always in km. 1𝑛𝑊/𝑚2 =
4𝜋𝑟 2
1
1𝑥10−9 =
𝑃𝐷 = 7.9577𝑥10 −10
𝑊/𝑚 2 4𝜋𝑟 2

𝑃𝐷 = 7.9577𝑥10−10 𝑊/𝑚2 Can be solved by SHIFT+SOLVE or

algebra.
𝑃𝐷 = 795.77𝑥10−12 𝑊/𝑚2
𝑷𝑫 = 𝟕𝟗𝟔 𝒑𝑾/𝒎𝟐
𝑟 = 8920.62𝑚
Note: r is always in km.

𝒓 = 𝟖. 𝟗𝒌𝒎

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.
Answers to Chapter 2: Radio Wave Propagation

5. A line-of-sight radio link over flat terrain ADDITIONAL

needs to use antenna towers 50 km
6. A mobile radio is being used at 1 GHz
apart. What, approximately, is the
in an urban environment with lots of
minimum height for the towers assuming
reflecting structures. If the car is traveling
all the towers are the same?
36 km/hour, what is the expected time
ANS: between fades?
37 meters ANS:
15 msec
Solution:
Given:
𝐷𝑘𝑚 = √17ℎ𝑡(𝑚) + √17ℎ𝑟(𝑚)
𝑓𝑐 = 1 𝐺𝐻𝑧 = 1𝑥109 𝐻𝑧
Note: “assuming all the towers are the
same”. So, ℎ𝑡(𝑚) and ℎ𝑟(𝑚) is equal. 𝑣𝑚 = 36𝑘𝑚/ℎ

* Let ℎ𝑡(𝑚) and ℎ𝑟(𝑚) equal to X. Required:

𝑇𝑓 = ?

𝐷𝑘𝑚 = √17𝑋 + √17𝑋

Can be solved by SHIFT+SOLVE or Solution:
algebra. 𝑐
𝑇𝑓 =
2 𝑓𝑐 𝑣𝑚
3𝑥108 𝑚/𝑠
50 = √17𝑋 + √17𝑋 𝑇𝑓 =
2 (1𝑥109 ) (36𝑥103 𝑚/ℎ)
Note: 𝐷𝑘𝑚 is already in km. So, the value
input is only 50. Not 50𝑥103 .

X = 36.76m Note: 𝑣𝑚 must be converted to m/s.

Hence; 36𝑥103 𝑚 1ℎ 1𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑥 𝑥
ℎ 60𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 60𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝒉𝒕(𝒎) = 𝒉𝒓(𝒎) = 𝟑𝟕𝒎
Hence;

36𝑥103
𝑣𝑚 = 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
3600

3𝑥108 𝑚/𝑠
𝑇𝑓 =
36𝑥103
2 (1𝑥109 ) ( 3600 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )

𝑇𝑓 = 0.015𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝑻𝒇 = 𝟏𝟓𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒄

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.