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Chapter 29: Problem 7

Turning a TV antenna so its rods point vertically may change the quality of your TV reception. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Turning a TV antenna so its rods point vertically may change the quality of reception because TV signals are polarized, either horizontally or vertically. This means the electric fields vibrate in a specific direction. To maximize the reception, the antenna must be aligned with the signal's polarization. Thus, if the polarization of the local signals is vertical, pointing the antenna rods vertically can improve reception. However, if the signals are horizontally polarized turning the antenna rods vertically will degrade the reception.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Polarity

Television signals are either horizontally or vertically polarized. Polarization refers to the direction in which the electric field of the signal vibrates. In vertical polarization, the electric field vibrates in a direction that is at right angles to the direction of propagation, hence, up and down. When the electric field vibrates from side to side (horizontally), it's known as horizontal polarization. The antenna has to match the polarization of the broadcast signal to receive it effectively. The rods of the antenna (elements) need to align with the polarization of the signals.
02

Linking Antenna Orientation and Signal Reception

If a TV antenna is turned so its rods point vertically, the antenna is better suited to pick up vertically polarized signals. So, if the broadcast signal is vertically polarized, turning the antenna vertically can significantly improve the reception quality. However, if the channels broadcast their signals with horizontal polarization, turning the antenna to a vertical position will weaken the reception of the signal. A mismatch in orientation can cause signal degradation.
03

Antenna Adjustment for Optimal Reception

The decision to turn the antenna either horizontal or vertical depends on the local television broadcast norms. Depending on the country or even the specific broadcast station, the signals can be either vertically or horizontally polarized. Viewers should adjust their antennas accordingly for optimal reception.

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