What is an advantage of a 5/8 wavelength whip antenna for VHF or UHF mobile service?
It has more gain than a 1/4-wavelength antenna
Correct. A 5/8 wavelength whip antenna has more gain than a 1/4 wavelength antenna, which means it can transmit signals more effectively over longer distances.
It radiates at a very high angle
Incorrect. A 5/8 wavelength antenna does not radiate at a very high angle; it is designed for low-angle radiation to improve ground-wave propagation.
It eliminates distortion caused by reflected signals
Incorrect. While a 5/8 wavelength antenna offers better gain, it does not specifically eliminate distortion caused by reflected signals, which is more dependent on the environment and antenna placement.
It has 10 times the power gain of a 1/4 wavelength whip
Incorrect. Although a 5/8 wavelength antenna has more gain than a 1/4 wavelength antenna, it does not have 10 times the power gain; this is an exaggerated and incorrect statement.
Explanation
The question about the advantages of a 5/8 wavelength whip antenna for VHF or UHF mobile service is highly relevant for those involved in amateur radio operation, particularly in mobile setups. Understanding antenna performance is crucial because it directly affects the quality and range of your transmissions and receptions. The correct answer to this question is that a 5/8 wavelength whip antenna has more gain than a 1/4-wavelength antenna. Gain in antenna terminology refers to the ability of the antenna to focus energy in a particular direction, compared to a reference antenna. A 5/8 wavelength whip antenna is specifically designed to have a higher gain than a 1/4-wavelength antenna, which means it can transmit signals more effectively over longer distances. This makes it particularly useful in mobile scenarios where maintaining communication over a broad geographic area is essential. Higher gain effectively means stronger signals, better reception, and clearer communication, making it a preferred choice for VHF or UHF mobile operations.
T9A12 2022-2026