ARRL Technician Practice Exam

For what purpose is a dipole antenna commonly used?

1. Television reception

2. Satellite communication

3. Broadband internet access

4. General amateur radio communication

The correct answer is: General amateur radio communication

A dipole antenna is commonly utilized for general amateur radio communication due to its simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness across a range of frequencies. This type of antenna consists of two conductors that are typically of equal length, which allows it to resonate at a specific frequency, making it highly effective for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Dipole antennas are particularly well-suited for amateur radio operators because they can be easily constructed, adjusted for specific frequency bands, and installed in various configurations, such as horizontal or vertical orientations. They offer good performance for both transmitting and receiving signals, and their design can be scaled to meet the needs of different operating conditions and frequency requirements. In contrast, the other options have more specialized applications. While dipole antennas may be used in television reception and can be adapted for certain types of communication with satellites, these are not their primary use cases. Similarly, while broadband internet access often employs other types of antennas designed for different bandwidths and coverage requirements, the versatility and straightforward design of dipole antennas make them a go-to choice for general amateur radio communication.