Question
What is the radiation pattern of a dipole antenna in free space in a plane containing the conductor?
Answer Options
- A) It is a figure-eight at right angles to the antenna
- B) It is a figure-eight off both ends of the antenna
- C) It is a circle (equal radiation in all directions)
- D) It has a pair of lobes on one side of the antenna and a single lobe on the other side
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
A half-wave dipole antenna has maximum current flow at its center and zero current flow at its ends. The maximum radiation occurs perpendicular to the conductor (at the center), and radiation is minimized directly off the ends.
Therefore, in the plane containing the conductor (the E-plane), the radiation pattern is a classic figure-eight at right angles to the antenna. This means the antenna has two broad lobes of maximum signal strength coming off its sides, with deep nulls (minimum signal) directly off the ends of the wire.
This topic was automatically created to facilitate community discussion about this exam question. Feel free to share study tips, memory tricks, or additional explanations!