Deep Dive: G3B10
The correct answer is B: 1,200 miles. The approximate maximum distance along the Earth's surface normally covered in one hop using the E region is 1,200 miles. E region is lower than F2, providing shorter single-hop distances. For amateur radio operators, this helps explain E-region propagation range. Understanding this helps when planning contacts.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (180 miles): Incorrect. 180 miles is too short - that's more like ground wave distance. E region provides longer distances. Option C (2,500 miles): Incorrect. 2,500 miles is F2-region distance, not E region. E region provides shorter distances than F2. Option D (12,000 miles): Incorrect. 12,000 miles is way too long - that would require many hops. E-region single-hop is about 1,200 miles.
Exam Tip
E-region single-hop distance = 1,200 miles. Think 'E' region = 'E'xcellent for '1',200 miles. E region provides single-hop distance of approximately 1,200 miles. Not 180 (ground wave), not 2,500 (F2), not 12,000 (multiple hops).
Memory Aid
E-region single-hop distance = 1,200 miles. Think 'E' region = 'E'xcellent for '1',200 miles. E region provides single-hop distance of approximately 1,200 miles. Lower than F2, but still provides good range.
Real-World Example
You make a contact 1,000 miles away on 6 meters using E-region propagation. This is within the E-region single-hop range (about 1,200 miles maximum). The E region is lower than F2, providing shorter but still significant single-hop distances. For longer distances, multiple hops or F2 region 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.