BasicB-006-008-007
The speed of a radio wave:
A
Answer
Antennas and feed lines
Type
A
is the same as the speed of light
B
is constant
C
is less than half the speed of light
D
varies depending on the frequency
Answer Notes
Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, exactly like visible light, ultraviolet, and X-rays. Because they are part of the same electromagnetic spectrum, they travel at the exact same speed in a vacuum: approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (the speed of light).
This speed is a universal constant for all electromagnetic waves in free space. It does not vary based on the frequency or wavelength of the signal being transmitted.
While the speed can slow down slightly when passing through physical mediums like coaxial cables (the velocity factor), in the context of general wave propagation through space, it is universally equal to the speed of light.
Previous · B-006-008-006
The resonant frequency of an antenna may be increased by:
Next · B-006-008-008
Why are insulators used at the ends of a suspended wire antenna?