Question T9A02
From subelement T9 - T9A
Which of the following describes a type of antenna loading?
Why is this correct?
Antenna loading electrically lengthens an antenna by inserting inductors in the radiating elements, allowing physically shorter antennas to operate as if they were full-size. Option B is wrong because resistors waste power and don't create resonance. Option C describes mechanical flexibility, not electrical loading. Option D refers to physical reinforcement, not electrical characteristics.
Memory tip
Remember: Loading = electrical fakery. You're tricking the antenna into thinking it's longer than it physically is. Inductors store energy in magnetic fields, which effectively adds electrical length. This pattern appears in many antenna questions—distinguish between physical modifications and electrical characteristics.
Learn more
Antenna loading compensates for space constraints in amateur installations, particularly important for HF bands where full-size antennas would be impractically large. While loading inductors enable compact designs, they introduce losses—a loaded antenna will always be less efficient than its full-size equivalent. Understanding this trade-off helps operators make informed decisions about antenna system design based on available space and performance requirements.
Think about it
Why do you think loading an antenna with inductors makes it less efficient than a full-size antenna, even though both can be resonant at the same frequency?