In receive mode, what does an antenna do with incoming electromagnetic energy?

In receive mode, what does an antenna do with incoming electromagnetic energy?

• A. Intercepts electromagnetic waves and converts their energy into AC voltage and current.
• B. Generates RF energy.
• C. Filters out noise but doesn't convert energy.
• D. Stores energy in a capacitor for later use.

Answer: (A)

In receive mode the antenna acts as a harvestor of the incoming electromagnetic field. The changing electric and magnetic fields of the wave induce a small alternating emf in the conductors, producing a voltage and current at the feed point. That electrical signal is what the receiver processes to recover the information, so energy from the wave is converted into electrical energy that the receiver can use. The antenna itself isn’t generating power, and it isn’t intended to store energy for later use—the energy is transferred to the receiver as the wave is present.

In receive mode the antenna acts as a harvestor of the incoming electromagnetic field. The changing electric and magnetic fields of the wave induce a small alternating emf in the conductors, producing a voltage and current at the feed point. That electrical signal is what the receiver processes to recover the information, so energy from the wave is converted into electrical energy that the receiver can use. The antenna itself isn’t generating power, and it isn’t intended to store energy for later use—the energy is transferred to the receiver as the wave is present.