What is an advantage of a 5/8 wavelength whip antenna for VHF or UHF mobile service?

• A. It is more portable
• B. It has a lower cost
• C. It has more gain than a 1/4-wavelength antenna
• D. It requires less power

Answer: (C)

A 5/8 wavelength whip antenna is known for having more gain than a 1/4 wavelength antenna, which is why the chosen answer is correct. This increased gain can significantly enhance the performance of VHF or UHF mobile service communications. Specifically, gain refers to the antenna's ability to focus energy in specific directions, improving the signal strength in those directions compared to an isotropic radiator (which is the theoretical minimum performance benchmark).

The 5/8 wavelength design allows for a more efficient radiation pattern, often resulting in a gain that can be approximately 2.15 dB better than a 1/4 wavelength antenna. This higher gain translates into increased range and clearer communication, especially in mobile applications where signal strength can greatly impact the ability to establish and maintain contact.

In considering the context of the other provided options, portability and cost are generally not advantages specific to the 5/8 wavelength antenna. In fact, it may be less portable than shorter antennas due to its increased length, and it can be more expensive depending on the construction and materials used. Additionally, while power requirements can vary depending on the antenna design, the 5/8 wavelength antenna does not inherently require less power than other designs; instead, it makes better