The Mechanism of Radiation and Propagation in Radio Communication

The intensity of the electric field at a distance from a statically charged antenna is calculated from elementary considerations. The same quantity is derived for the case in which the charge is oscillating at a radio frequency. It is shown that the total charges acting on the receiver in the two cases have a ratio equal to the square of the ratio of the transmitting distance to a certain part of the wave length; and hence the great advantage of the radio frequency transmission. The theories of Edison, Tesla and Sommerfeld are historically considered. It is shown that there is no physical justification for the separation of the wave into surface and space waves. The electric and magnetic intensities at various distances from the antenna are calculated, and it is shown that they become practically equal at a wave length away. The author prefers to regard radio transmission as due to conducted radio frequency earth currents rather than modified Hertzian oscillator waves. The three distinct portions of the atmosphere: the troposphere, the stratosphere, and the coronium layer, are described, and their effect on radio transmission considered.