Explain the following as applied to radio propagation. Ground wave Sky wave Line sight

Ground Wave

- Description: Radio waves that travel along Earth's surface, following its curvature.
- Propagation: Short to medium distances, typically up to 200 miles.
- Frequency range: Low frequencies (less than 2 MHz).
- Characteristics: Strong signal strength near the transmitter, fading and attenuation with distance due to the Earth's surface blocking the waves.

Sky Wave

- Description: Radio waves that are reflected back to Earth by the ionosphere, a layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Propagation: Long distances, can cover thousands of miles.
- Frequency range: Medium to high frequencies (3-30 MHz).
- Characteristics: Skips over obstacles like mountains or buildings, experiences fading and interference due to multiple reflections and absorption.

Line of Sight

- Description: Radio waves that travel in a straight line from the transmitter to the receiver, with no obstacles in between.
- Propagation: Very short distances, typically a few miles.
- Frequency range: High frequencies (above 30 MHz).
- Characteristics: Strong signal strength if there is a clear line of sight, blockages or obstacles can significantly reduce or block the signal.