Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What is the approximate maximum distance along the Earth's surface that is normally covered in one hop using the E region?

1. 180 miles

2. 1,200 miles

3. 2,500 miles

4. 12,000 miles

The correct answer is: 1,200 miles

The E region, or the E layer of the ionosphere, typically operates at altitudes of about 90 to 150 kilometers (approximately 56 to 93 miles) above the Earth's surface. This layer can reflect specific frequencies of radio waves back to the Earth, creating a phenomenon known as "skywave propagation." The maximum distance that a radio signal can travel via one hop in the E region is generally in the range of about 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers, which converts to approximately 600 to 930 miles. In the context of this question, the approximate maximum distance covered in one hop using the E region is around 1,200 miles, making this the most accurate choice. This distance is influenced by factors such as frequency used, transmitter power, and atmospheric conditions, which can all affect the actual range but still align closely with the given choice in the question.