A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
- The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
- Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/ correct?
-
1 only
-
2 only
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Both 1 and 2
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Neither 1 nor 2
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. Ozone layer is present in Stratosphere, not Ionosphere.
Statement 2 is also incorrect. When a radio wave reaches the ionosphere, the electric field in the wave forces the electrons in the ionosphere into oscillation at the same frequency as the radio wave. Some of the radio-frequency energy is given up to this resonant oscillation. The oscillating electrons will then either be lost to recombination or will re-radiate the original wave energy. Total refraction can occur when the collision frequency of the ionosphere is less than the radio frequency, and if the electron density in the ionosphere is great enough.