T3B11 - What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave in free space?

Question

What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave in free space?

Answer Options

  • A) 150,000 meters per second
  • B) 300,000,000 meters per second
  • C) 300,000,000 miles per hour
  • D) 150,000 miles per hour

Correct Answer: B


Explanation

The velocity of a radio wave (the speed of light, c) is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. For amateur radio purposes and general electronics, this is almost always approximated as 300,000,000 meters per second.

This speed is the constant c used in the wavelength/frequency calculation formulas (T3B06). This instantaneous speed is why radio waves can travel around the world in a fraction of a second.


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