Absorption in radio waves is best described as which phenomenon?

Absorption in radio waves is best described as which phenomenon?

• A. Absorbed by an object
• B. Reflected by an object
• C. Refracted by air
• D. Diffracted around obstacles

Answer: (A)

Absorption happens when the radio wave’s energy is taken up by the material it encounters. The energy is converted into internal energy in the object (often a tiny amount of heat), so less of the signal continues onward or reaches the receiver. This is different from reflection, where the wave bounces off the surface; refraction, where the wave changes direction as it enters a different medium; and diffraction, where the wave bends around obstacles. In practical terms, materials that absorb RF energy reduce signal strength—air itself is a poor absorber, while walls, foliage, and other objects can absorb more at certain frequencies.

Absorption happens when the radio wave’s energy is taken up by the material it encounters. The energy is converted into internal energy in the object (often a tiny amount of heat), so less of the signal continues onward or reaches the receiver. This is different from reflection, where the wave bounces off the surface; refraction, where the wave changes direction as it enters a different medium; and diffraction, where the wave bends around obstacles. In practical terms, materials that absorb RF energy reduce signal strength—air itself is a poor absorber, while walls, foliage, and other objects can absorb more at certain frequencies.