Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

What effect does a sudden ionospheric disturbance have on daytime ionospheric propagation?

1. It improves signals on lower frequencies

2. It disrupts signals on lower frequencies more than those on higher frequencies

3. It affects nighttime propagation only

4. It has no significant effect on propagation

The correct answer is: It disrupts signals on lower frequencies more than those on higher frequencies

A sudden ionospheric disturbance has a notable impact on daytime ionospheric propagation, particularly affecting signals transmitted at lower frequencies. During such disturbances, the ionosphere can experience fluctuations in its electron density, which alters its ability to refract radio waves. Lower frequency signals are generally more reliant on the ionosphere for propagation, as they are more readily reflected by the ionospheric layers. When disturbances occur, the increased electron density can cause these lower frequency signals to be more severely disrupted, leading to loss of communication or degraded signal quality. In contrast, higher frequency signals often penetrate the ionosphere more directly and may experience less disruption due to these disturbances. This understanding is critical for ham radio operators, as it highlights the importance of frequency selection based on current ionospheric conditions, particularly during events like solar flares or geomagnetic storms that induce sudden disturbances.