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Radiation Pattern of a Half-Wave Dipole Antenna

In which direction does a half-wave dipole antenna radiate the strongest signal?

Equally in all directions

This answer is incorrect because a half-wave dipole antenna does not radiate equally in all directions; it has a defined directional pattern.

Off the ends of the antenna

This answer is incorrect because the radiation pattern of a half-wave dipole antenna is weakest off the ends of the antenna.

In the direction of the feed line

This answer is incorrect because the radiation direction does not follow the line of the feed line; rather, it is perpendicular to the feed line and wire elements.

Broadside to the antenna

This answer is correct because the half-wave dipole antenna radiates the strongest signal broadside, or perpendicular, to its wire element.

Explanation

Understanding the radiation pattern of antennas is essential knowledge for any amateur radio operator. The half-wave dipole antenna, one of the simplest and most widely used antennas, has a specific radiation pattern that is fundamental to its performance. The dipole antenna radiates the strongest signal broadside to the antenna, meaning perpendicular to the wire element itself. This characteristic is crucial for operators to know in order to position and orient their antennas effectively to maximize communication range in desired directions.

T9A10 2022-2026

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