In order, what are the ground-wave ranges for HF, VHF, and UHF?

In order, what are the ground-wave ranges for HF, VHF, and UHF?

• A. HF 0-50; VHF 0-30; UHF 0-50
• B. HF 0-60; VHF 0-30; UHF 0-50
• C. HF 0-50; VHF 0-30; UHF 0-30
• D. HF 0-50; VHF 0-50; UHF 0-30

Answer: (A)

Ground-wave propagation travels along the Earth's surface and is strongly affected by frequency and ground conductivity. Lower frequencies (like HF) have longer wavelengths that can hug the ground and cover longer distances, while higher frequencies (VHF and UHF) lose most of that surface propagation, making the practical range shorter—though under some conditions UHF can still show notable surface-wave reach. In the standard references used for this material, the practical ceiling for ground-wave reach is about 50 miles for HF, about 30 miles for VHF, and about 50 miles for UHF. That’s why the order is HF 0-50, VHF 0-30, UHF 0-50. Other options either extend or reduce the ranges in a way that doesn’t align with these common reference figures, which is why they aren’t chosen.

Ground-wave propagation travels along the Earth's surface and is strongly affected by frequency and ground conductivity. Lower frequencies (like HF) have longer wavelengths that can hug the ground and cover longer distances, while higher frequencies (VHF and UHF) lose most of that surface propagation, making the practical range shorter—though under some conditions UHF can still show notable surface-wave reach. In the standard references used for this material, the practical ceiling for ground-wave reach is about 50 miles for HF, about 30 miles for VHF, and about 50 miles for UHF. That’s why the order is HF 0-50, VHF 0-30, UHF 0-50.

Other options either extend or reduce the ranges in a way that doesn’t align with these common reference figures, which is why they aren’t chosen.