Physics quiz question: reception from dipole antenna

Physics 205B Quiz 1, spring semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Multiple-Choice Question 22.1

A radio station is located due north of your location. It uses an electric dipole antenna oriented east-west. In order to maximize reception of this broadcast at your location, you need to orient an electric dipole receiving antenna:
(A) vertically.
(B) horizontally north-south.
(C) horizontally east-west.
(D) (No reception is possible using an electric dipole antenna.)

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (C)

This electric dipole antenna will broadcast radio signals in directions perpendicular to its orientation, and none along its ends. Since the antenna is oriented east-west and located north of the receiving antenna, then east-west horizontally polarized radio waves will be received at your location.

Section 30882
Exam code: quiz01b3Es
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 29 students
(D) : 1 student

Success level: 83%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.26