Deep Dive: G3B09
The correct answer is C: 2,500 miles. The approximate maximum distance along the Earth's surface normally covered in one hop using the F2 region is 2,500 miles. F2 is the highest ionospheric region, providing the longest single-hop distance. For amateur radio operators, this helps explain F2 propagation range. Understanding this helps when planning long-distance contacts.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (180 miles): Incorrect. 180 miles is too short - that's more like ground wave or E-region distance. F2 provides much longer distances. Option B (1,200 miles): Incorrect. 1,200 miles is E-region distance, not F2. F2 provides longer distances than E region. Option D (12,000 miles): Incorrect. 12,000 miles is way too long - that would require multiple hops. F2 single-hop is about 2,500 miles.
Exam Tip
F2 single-hop distance = 2,500 miles. Think 'F'2 = 'F'urthest single-hop ('2',500 miles). F2 region provides longest single-hop distance - approximately 2,500 miles. Not 180 (ground wave), not 1,200 (E region), not 12,000 (multiple hops).
Memory Aid
F2 single-hop distance = 2,500 miles. Think 'F'2 = 'F'urthest single-hop ('2',500 miles). F2 region provides longest single-hop distance - approximately 2,500 miles. Highest ionospheric region provides longest range.
Real-World Example
You make a contact 2,200 miles away on 20 meters using F2 region propagation. This is within the F2 single-hop range (about 2,500 miles maximum). The F2 region is the highest ionospheric layer, providing the longest single-hop distances. For longer distances, multiple hops are needed.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G3B
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G3 - Radio Wave Propagation
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G3B topic.