Which of the following describes a simple dipole oriented parallel to Earth's surface?

Which of the following describes a simple dipole oriented parallel to Earth's surface?

• A. A ground-wave antenna
• B. A horizontally polarized antenna
• C. A travelling-wave antenna
• D. A vertically polarized antenna

Answer: (B)

A simple dipole oriented parallel to Earth's surface functions as a horizontally polarized antenna. This orientation allows the dipole to radiate electromagnetic waves primarily in a horizontal plane. When radio waves are emitted from this configuration, the electric field of the waves aligns with the horizontal plane, resulting in horizontal polarization. Additionally, horizontally polarized antennas are commonly used in various communication applications because they minimize ground reflections and provide a more uniform radiation pattern in specific situations. The other options are not applicable here: a ground-wave antenna typically refers to a setup that radiates waves along the ground, often associated with vertical polarization; a travelling-wave antenna relies on wave propagation along its length and is not specifically tied to a horizontal or vertical orientation; and a vertically polarized antenna would signify that the dipole is oriented perpendicularly to the Earth's surface, which is contrary to the stated orientation of a simple dipole parallel to the Earth's surface. Thus, the designation of the dipole as horizontally polarized is accurate based on its configuration relative to the ground.

A simple dipole oriented parallel to Earth's surface functions as a horizontally polarized antenna. This orientation allows the dipole to radiate electromagnetic waves primarily in a horizontal plane. When radio waves are emitted from this configuration, the electric field of the waves aligns with the horizontal plane, resulting in horizontal polarization.

Additionally, horizontally polarized antennas are commonly used in various communication applications because they minimize ground reflections and provide a more uniform radiation pattern in specific situations.

The other options are not applicable here: a ground-wave antenna typically refers to a setup that radiates waves along the ground, often associated with vertical polarization; a travelling-wave antenna relies on wave propagation along its length and is not specifically tied to a horizontal or vertical orientation; and a vertically polarized antenna would signify that the dipole is oriented perpendicularly to the Earth's surface, which is contrary to the stated orientation of a simple dipole parallel to the Earth's surface. Thus, the designation of the dipole as horizontally polarized is accurate based on its configuration relative to the ground.