A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
- 1.The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
- 2.Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 Only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
The ionosphere facilitates radio communication due to the presence of charged particles (ions and free electrons) rather than ozone. These charged particles refract and reflect radio waves back to Earth, enabling long-distance transmission. While certain radio waves can have long wavelengths, it's the ionization of the atmospheric layers that is crucial for reflection, not the wavelength itself in isolation. Ozone's primary role is in absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
Source: UPSC gs1 2011