Question T9A10
From subelement T9 - T9A
In which direction does a half-wave dipole antenna radiate the strongest signal?
Why is this correct?
A half-wave dipole radiates strongest broadside (perpendicular) to the wire, not off the ends. Think of the antenna wire as a line—the strongest signal goes out from the sides at 90 degrees to that line. If your dipole runs north-south, maximum radiation goes east-west. The ends of the antenna are actually the weakest radiation points, making choice B incorrect.
Memory tip
Remember the 'broadside rule'—dipoles radiate perpendicular to their wire direction. This pattern helps you orient any dipole for best coverage toward your intended communication area, whether it's mounted horizontally or vertically.
Learn more
In practical operation, this broadside radiation pattern determines antenna placement strategy. A dipole's figure-8 pattern means you get maximum signal strength in two opposite directions perpendicular to the wire. This is why contesters and DXers carefully orient their dipoles—the wire direction determines which geographic areas receive the strongest signal. Understanding this pattern helps explain why beam antennas use multiple elements to focus this broadside energy into a single preferred direction.
Think about it
Why do you think the ends of a dipole antenna are the weakest radiation points instead of the strongest?