Radio Wave Propagation

James Clerk Maxwell

The propagation of radio waves were predicated mathematically by ______.

Heinrich Hertz

Confirmed the prediction of Maxwell when he discovered and generated electromagnetic waves and demonstrated its existence.

Electromagnetic Wave

Consists of time-varying electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other.

Dielectric Constant

The velocity of propagation of radio waves in a given medium is determined by its ______.

Power Density

The rate at which the energy of a wave passes through a given surface area.

Isotropic Radiator

The simplest source of EM waves.

Ray

A line drawn from the source directed outward along the direction of propagation.

Wavefront

An imaginary surface formed by joining the points in which all the waves have the same phase.

Free Space Path Loss

Due to the spreading of the wave as it propagates.

Total Internal Reflection

The complete reflection of light within a denser medium back into the medium itself.

Diffraction

The scattering or divergence of a wave from its path as it encounters obstructions and sharp edges.

Ionosphere

A region in the upper atmosphere where the air molecules are ionized by solar radiation. It has an altitude of 50 - 400km.