Question

In a ground wave propagation, which component of electric field is short circuited when it’s in contact by earth?

(a) Horizontal

(b) Vertical

(c) Both horizontal and vertical

(d) Neither horizontal nor vertical

This question was posed to me in a job interview.

This intriguing question comes from Radio Wave Propagation topic in section Radio Wave Propagation of Antennas

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Horizontal

To explain I would say: Any horizontal component of electric field which is in contact with earth is short circuited by earth. Usually ground wave propagation is done by vertical antennas so it is vertically polarized.