Approximately how long is a Yagi’s driven element?
The correct answer is D: 1/2 wavelength. A Yagi's driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength long. The driven element is typically slightly shorter than a free-space half-wave to account for end effects and to optimize performance in the Yagi configuration.
The driven element in a Yagi is the element that's actually fed with RF power. It's typically about 0.47 to 0.49 wavelengths long (slightly shorter than a true half-wave) to account for the effects of the nearby parasitic elements (reflector and directors). The exact length depends on the Yagi design, spacing, and desired performance, but it's approximately half a wavelength. This is a fundamental characteristic of Yagi antennas - the driven element is a half-wave dipole, modified slightly for the Yagi environment.
Exam Tip
Yagi driven element = 1/2 wavelength. Remember: A Yagi's driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength long (typically slightly shorter, about 0.47-0.49λ, to account for nearby parasitic elements).
Memory Aid
"**Y**agi **D**riven **E**lement = **1**/**2** wavelength (think 'YDE = 1/2λ')"
Real-World Application
You're building a Yagi for 20 meters (14 MHz). The driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength = about 10 meters (33 feet). It might actually be slightly shorter (maybe 9.5 meters) to optimize performance with the reflector and directors. The driven element is the element you feed with RF power.
FCC Part 97.3Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. 234/frequency in MHz gives the length in feet for a half-wave dipole, but the question asks for the relationship, not a formula. The driven element is 1/2 wavelength.
Option B: Incorrect. 1005/frequency in MHz would be way too long - that's over 4 wavelengths, not half a wavelength.
Option C: Incorrect. 1/4 wavelength is the length of a quarter-wave vertical or the elements in some other antennas, but Yagi driven elements are half-wavelength.
题目解析
The correct answer is D: 1/2 wavelength. A Yagi's driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength long. The driven element is typically slightly shorter than a free-space half-wave to account for end effects and to optimize performance in the Yagi configuration. The driven element in a Yagi is the element that's actually fed with RF power. It's typically about 0.47 to 0.49 wavelengths long (slightly shorter than a true half-wave) to account for the effects of the nearby parasitic elements (reflector and directors). The exact length depends on the Yagi design, spacing, and desired performance, but it's approximately half a wavelength. This is a fundamental characteristic of Yagi antennas - the driven element is a half-wave dipole, modified slightly for the Yagi environment.
考试技巧
Yagi driven element = 1/2 wavelength. Remember: A Yagi's driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength long (typically slightly shorter, about 0.47-0.49λ, to account for nearby parasitic elements).
记忆口诀
**Y**agi **D**riven **E**lement = **1**/**2** wavelength (think 'YDE = 1/2λ')
实际应用示例
You're building a Yagi for 20 meters (14 MHz). The driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength = about 10 meters (33 feet). It might actually be slightly shorter (maybe 9.5 meters) to optimize performance with the reflector and directors. The driven element is the element you feed with RF power.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. 234/frequency in MHz gives the length in feet for a half-wave dipole, but the question asks for the relationship, not a formula. The driven element is 1/2 wavelength. Option B: Incorrect. 1005/frequency in MHz would be way too long - that's over 4 wavelengths, not half a wavelength. Option C: Incorrect. 1/4 wavelength is the length of a quarter-wave vertical or the elements in some other antennas, but Yagi driven elements are half-wavelength.
知识点
Yagi antenna, Driven element, Half-wavelength, Antenna length
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Extra Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.