a) Define an antenna [2marks]

b) Explain the antenna radiation pattern and draw the pattern for hertz antenna [4marks]

The polar diagram indicating how well an antenna transmits or receives in different directions is called a
radiation pattern.
 c) Determine the optimum length of a Marconi antenna for the transmission of a 100-MHz
signal. The velocity factor for the antenna is 0.90. [4mark]

d) Define Ground plane propagation [2marks]

Ground wave or surface wave propagation in which a part of wave travels along or near the
surface of the earth. In ground wave propagation the transmitting and receiving antenna should
be closed to the surface of the earth and the antenna should be vertically polarized.
e) Discuss two major factors that affect the propagation of radio waves? [6marks]
Ans. There are many factors that affect the way in which radio signals or radio waves propagate.
These are determined by the medium through which the radio waves travel and the various
objects that may appear in the path.
The properties of the path by which the radio signals will propagate governs the level and quality
of the received signal. Reflection, refraction and diffraction may occur. The resultant radio signal
may also be a combination of several signals that have travelled by different paths. These may
add together or subtract from one another, and in addition to his the signals travelling via
different paths may be delayed causing distorting of the resultant resultant signal. It is therefore
very important to know the likely radio propagation characteristics that are likely to prevail.
The distances over which radio signals may propagate varies considerably. For some ratio
communications applications only a short range may be needed. For example a WiFi link may
only need to be established over a distance of a few meters. On the other hand a short wave
broadcast station, or a satellite link would need the ratio waves to travel over much greater
distances. Even for these last two examples of the short wave broadcast station and the satellite
link, the ratio propagation characteristics would be completely different, the signals reaching
their final destinations having been affected in very different ways by the media through which
the signals have travelled.
f) What is the relationship between directivity and maximum effective area? [6marks]
Ans. Consider two Antenna A1 and A2
A1 is transmitting antenna
A, Receiving antenna.
Distance between two antenna be R.
Power density generated by A1 at A2.

g)

h) Define the term Directivity and antenna Bandwidth? [4marsk]

Directivity of an antenna is the ratio of the radiation intensity in a particular direction
and the radiation intensity averaged over all directions.
It can also be defined as the ratio of the radiation intensity of the antenna in a given direction and
the radiation intensity of an isotropic radiator fed by the same amount of power.
antenna Beamwidth? [2]
This is the range of frequencies, within which the antenna characteristics confirm to &tam
specifications.