GeneralG9B08

How does the feed point impedance of a 1/2 wave dipole change as the feed point is moved from the center toward the ends?

A
Answer
Antennas and feed lines
Type
A
It steadily increases
B
It steadily decreases
C
It peaks at about 1/8 wavelength from the end
D
It is unaffected by the location of the feed point

Answer Notes

In a resonant half-wave dipole, the RF current is at its maximum at the center and drops to zero at the ends. Conversely, the RF voltage is at its minimum at the center and reaches its maximum at the ends. According to Ohm's Law (Impedance = Voltage / Current), dividing a low voltage by a high current yields a low impedance (about 73 ohms at the center). As you move the feed point toward the ends, the voltage increases and the current decreases, meaning the impedance steadily increases. At the very ends, the impedance is in the thousands of ohms. Distractors suggesting it decreases or peaks at an arbitrary point fail to account for the smooth sinusoidal distribution of voltage and current along the half-wave wire.
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How does the feed point impedance of a horizontal 1/2 wave dipole antenna change as the antenna height is reduced to 1/10 wavelength above ground?
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Which of the following is an advantage of using a horizontally polarized as compared to a vertically polarized HF antenna?