Deep Dive: E3B08
The correct answer is C: It decreases. How does the maximum range of ground-wave propagation change when the signal frequency is increased is that it decreases. Higher frequencies have shorter ground-wave range due to increased losses. For amateur radio operators, this is important for ground-wave operation. Understanding this helps when operating on different frequencies.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Range doesn't stay the same - it decreases with higher frequency. Same range is wrong. Option B: Incorrect. Range doesn't increase - it decreases with higher frequency. Increase is wrong. Option D: Incorrect. Range doesn't peak at 8 MHz - it decreases with higher frequency. Peak at 8 MHz is wrong.
Exam Tip
Ground-wave range vs frequency = decreases as frequency increases. Think 'G'round-'W'ave 'R'ange = 'G'ets 'W'orse with higher 'R'equency. Higher frequencies have shorter ground-wave range due to increased losses. Not stays same, not increases, not peaks at 8 MHz - just decreases.
Memory Aid
Ground-wave range vs frequency = decreases as frequency increases. Think 'G'round-'W'ave = 'D'ecreases with 'F'requency. Higher frequencies have shorter ground-wave range due to increased losses. Important for ground-wave operation.
Real-World Example
Ground-wave propagation: When signal frequency is increased, the maximum range decreases. Higher frequencies experience more ground losses, so ground-wave signals don't travel as far. For example, 1.8 MHz might have 100-mile ground-wave range, while 28 MHz might have only 10-mile range. This is the effect - range decreases with higher frequency.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E3B
Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E3 - Radio Wave Propagation
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E3B topic.