A radio station utilizes a horizontal electric dipole antenna directed north-south as a transmitter. You are located due west of the station and wish to use a magnetic dipole antenna to receive the broadcast. What should the orientation of your antenna be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the transmitting antenna is a horizontal electric dipole directed north-south, it will generate a magnetic field that is perpendicular (east-west) to the direction of propagation. In order to receive this signal with a magnetic dipole antenna, the magnetic field should be parallel to the axis of the receiving antenna. Therefore, the receiving antenna should have a vertical axis.

A Radio Station Utilizes a Horizontal Electric Dipole Antenna Directed