Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E3B
E3B10E3B

What is the effect of chordal-hop propagation?

Deep Dive: E3B10

The correct answer is A: The signal experiences less loss compared to multi-hop propagation, which uses Earth as a reflector. What is the effect of chordal-hop propagation is that the signal experiences less loss compared to multi-hop propagation, which uses Earth as a reflector. Chordal-hop skips ground reflections, reducing loss. For amateur radio operators, this is important for understanding propagation efficiency. Understanding this helps when operating HF.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. MUF for chordal-hop isn't much lower - chordal-hop has less loss, not lower MUF. Lower MUF isn't the effect. Option C: Incorrect. Atmospheric noise isn't reduced - chordal-hop has less loss, not noise reduction. Noise reduction isn't the effect. Option D: Incorrect. Signals don't travel faster - chordal-hop has less loss, not faster travel. Faster travel isn't the effect.

Exam Tip

Chordal-hop effect = signal experiences less loss compared to multi-hop using Earth as reflector. Think 'C'hordal-'H'op = 'C'uts 'H'op losses (skips ground). Chordal-hop skips ground reflections, reducing loss. Not lower MUF, not noise reduction, not faster travel - just less loss.

Memory Aid

Chordal-hop effect = signal experiences less loss compared to multi-hop using Earth as reflector. Think 'C'hordal-'H'op = 'L'ess 'L'oss. Chordal-hop skips ground reflections, reducing loss. Important for understanding propagation efficiency.

Real-World Example

Chordal-hop propagation: The signal experiences less loss compared to multi-hop propagation that uses Earth as a reflector. In chordal-hop, the signal bounces between ionospheric layers without hitting the ground, avoiding ground losses. This is the effect - less loss compared to multi-hop with ground reflections.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E3B

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E3 - Radio Wave Propagation

Key Concepts

Chordal-hop propagation Less loss Multi-hop propagation Earth as reflector

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E3B topic.