Which of the following describes a simple dipole oriented parallel to Earth’s surface?
A ground-wave antenna
This is incorrect, because a ground-wave antenna refers to a type of propagation rather than the orientation of an antenna.
A horizontally polarized antenna
This answer is correct, because a simple dipole antenna oriented parallel to the Earth’s surface is horizontally polarized, meaning its electric field is parallel to the surface.
A travelling-wave antenna
This is incorrect, because a travelling-wave antenna describes how the wave propagates along the antenna, not its orientation or polarization.
A vertically polarized antenna
This is incorrect, because a vertically polarized antenna would have its elements arranged perpendicular to the Earth’s surface, not parallel.
Explanation
In amateur radio, the understanding of antenna types and their orientations is crucial for effective communication. The question addresses the concept of polarization and the orientation of a simple dipole antenna. A simple dipole antenna is one of the most fundamental and widely used antenna designs, typically consisting of two conductive elements arranged in a straight line. When this simple dipole is oriented parallel to the Earth’s surface, it is described as a horizontally polarized antenna. Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field of the radio wave—horizontal polarization means that the electric field is parallel to the Earth’s surface. This orientation is key in certain types of communication because it aligns with how many signals are transmitted and received, reducing signal loss and interference compared to mismatched polarization. Understanding the polarization of antennas helps amateur radio operators choose the right setup for their communication needs, ensuring efficient and effective signal transmission and reception.
T9A03 2022-2026