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T3B04

RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION · Electromagnetic wave properties: wavelength vs frequency, nature and velocity of electromagnetic waves, relationship of wavelength and frequency; Electromagnetic spectrum definitions: UHF, VHF, HF

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What is the velocity of a radio wave traveling through free space?

  1. ASpeed of light
  2. BSpeed of sound
  3. C0.86 times the speed of light
  4. D1.86 times the speed of sound
Why Radio waves are electromagnetic waves, the same phenomenon as visible light, infrared and X-rays, differing only in frequency. In a vacuum all electromagnetic waves travel at about 300,000,000 meters per second (3 x 10^8 m/s), the speed of light, usually written c. That constant is what lets you convert wavelength to frequency: wavelength in meters = 300 divided by frequency in MHz.
Watch out The speed of sound applies to mechanical pressure waves in air, roughly 343 m/s, about a million times slower; sound needs a medium, radio does not. A velocity factor less than 1, such as 0.86, describes a wave slowed down in a cable or other material, not in free space.
Radio is light you cannot see: 3 x 10^8 m/s, and 300 / MHz = wavelength in meters.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
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The rest of T3B

  1. T3B01 What is the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave?
  2. T3B02 What property of a radio wave defines its polarization?
  3. T3B03 What are the two components of a radio wave?
  4. T3B04 What is the velocity of a radio wave traveling through free space?
  5. T3B05 What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
  6. T3B06 What is the formula for converting frequency to approximate wavelength in meters?
  7. T3B07 In addition to frequency, which of the following is used to identify amateur radio bands?
  8. T3B08 What frequency range is referred to as VHF?
  9. T3B09 What frequency range is referred to as UHF?
  10. T3B10 What frequency range is referred to as HF?
  11. T3B11 What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave in free space?
  12. T3B12 Which of these frequencies travels at the highest velocity in free space?
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