BasicB-006-007-001
What does horizontal wave polarization mean?
C
Answer
Antennas and feed lines
Type
A
The magnetic lines of force of a radio wave are parallel to the Earth's surface
B
The electric lines of force of a radio wave are perpendicular to the Earth's surface
C
The electric lines of force of a radio wave are parallel to the Earth's surface
D
The electric and magnetic lines of force of a radio wave are perpendicular to the Earth's surface
Answer Notes
The polarization of a radio wave is defined strictly by the orientation of its electric field, also known as the electric lines of force. If these electric lines are parallel to the Earth's surface, the wave is considered horizontally polarized.
Distractors that mention the magnetic lines of force are incorrect because magnetic lines are always at a 90-degree angle to the electric lines. Therefore, in a horizontally polarized wave, the magnetic lines of force are actually perpendicular to the ground, not parallel.
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If a transmission line with a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms feeds a folded dipole with a feed point impedance close to 300 ohms, what impedance transformation ratio is needed to match the two?
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What does vertical wave polarization mean?