What are the two components of a radio wave?
The correct answer is C: Electric and magnetic fields. A radio wave consists of two components: an electric field and a magnetic field. These two fields are coupled together and propagate through space, creating the electromagnetic wave.
The electric field and magnetic field are the two fundamental components of all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves. They oscillate together, with the changing electric field creating the magnetic field, and the changing magnetic field creating the electric field. This self-sustaining relationship allows the wave to propagate through space. Both fields are necessary - you cannot have an electromagnetic wave with only one field.
Exam Tip
Radio wave components = Electric and magnetic fields. Remember: A radio wave has two components - an electric field and a magnetic field. These oscillate together to form the electromagnetic wave.
Memory Aid
"**R**adio **W**ave = **E**lectric + **M**agnetic (think 'RW = EM' = Electric + Magnetic)"
Real-World Application
When you transmit a radio signal, you're creating an electromagnetic wave that consists of an electric field and a magnetic field. These fields oscillate together as the wave travels through space. At your receiver, these fields induce currents in the antenna, which are then converted back into electrical signals. Both the electric and magnetic fields are essential parts of the radio wave.
FCC Part 97.3Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Impedance and reactance are circuit properties, not components of a radio wave. They describe how circuits respond to AC signals.
Option B: Incorrect. Voltage and current are electrical circuit quantities, not the components of the radio wave itself. The wave consists of fields, not voltage and current.
Option D: Incorrect. Ionizing and non-ionizing are categories of radiation, not components of a wave. Radio waves are non-ionizing.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: Electric and magnetic fields. A radio wave consists of two components: an electric field and a magnetic field. These two fields are coupled together and propagate through space, creating the electromagnetic wave. The electric field and magnetic field are the two fundamental components of all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves. They oscillate together, with the changing electric field creating the magnetic field, and the changing magnetic field creating the electric field. This self-sustaining relationship allows the wave to propagate through space. Both fields are necessary - you cannot have an electromagnetic wave with only one field.
考试技巧
Radio wave components = Electric and magnetic fields. Remember: A radio wave has two components - an electric field and a magnetic field. These oscillate together to form the electromagnetic wave.
记忆口诀
**R**adio **W**ave = **E**lectric + **M**agnetic (think 'RW = EM' = Electric + Magnetic)
实际应用示例
When you transmit a radio signal, you're creating an electromagnetic wave that consists of an electric field and a magnetic field. These fields oscillate together as the wave travels through space. At your receiver, these fields induce currents in the antenna, which are then converted back into electrical signals. Both the electric and magnetic fields are essential parts of the radio wave.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Impedance and reactance are circuit properties, not components of a radio wave. They describe how circuits respond to AC signals. Option B: Incorrect. Voltage and current are electrical circuit quantities, not the components of the radio wave itself. The wave consists of fields, not voltage and current. Option D: Incorrect. Ionizing and non-ionizing are categories of radiation, not components of a wave. Radio waves are non-ionizing.
知识点
Radio waves, Electric field, Magnetic field, Electromagnetic waves
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.