What is the velocity of a radio wave traveling through free space?

Prepare for the Amateur Technician License Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your licensing exam!

The velocity of a radio wave traveling through free space is indeed the speed of light. In a vacuum, all electromagnetic waves, which include radio waves, propagate at this constant speed, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 300 million meters per second). This principle is fundamental to understanding electromagnetic radiation, as it defines how quickly the waves can travel through empty space.

The speed of light is a foundational concept in physics and is critical in the design and operation of radio communication systems. It ensures that signals can be transmitted over vast distances with minimal delay, which is essential for effective communication.

Other options provided don't accurately describe the characteristics of radio waves in free space. The speed of sound, for instance, is significantly slower than the speed of light and pertains to mechanical waves traveling through a medium, not electromagnetic waves traveling through a vacuum. Other incorrect options discuss inversely proportional relationships with wavelength or frequency, which relate to wave properties but do not represent the constant speed of radio waves in free space.

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