Why does charge oscillate in an electric dipole antenna?

In summary, the conversation discusses the function of an electric dipole antenna in transmitting radio-frequency energy. The dipole is not an open circuit, as it is completed by the capacitance between its arms. The alternating current in the dipole causes the electrons to accelerate and radiate energy as an electromagnetic traveling wave. The dipole can also be modeled as a resonator, with energy being delivered through the feedline until the rate of radiation is equal to the energy being delivered.
  • #1
versine
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Picture: Energy source => LR Oscillator => Transformer => Transmission line => Electric dipole antenna => traveling wave
Why would the charge even oscillate in the antenna as opposed to building up in the antenna? The transmission line + antenna is not a closed circuit right?
 
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  • #2
What does charge building up mean here?

Review this to see how charge moves in response to the applied RF energy.


"Open circuit" used in the typical circuit theory description can't be used with antenna circuits. You will need to refine your understanding of current and voltage. The antenna is a transducer between free EM radiation and Kirchhoff circuit rules that require a bit of deeper study to see that antennas are part of closed circuits.
 
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  • #3
The crux of your problem seems to be that the dipole is an open circuit. However, it is not, because the capacitance between the arms completes the circuit. When a radio-frequency alternating current flows in this circuit, the electrons in the dipole rods are caused to accelerate back an forth at the frequency of the transmitter. When charges accelerate they radiate. The radiated energy travels away from the antenna as an EM traveling wave.
Energy is also stored in the system because the dipole is resonant, but about 10% is radiated each cycle.
 
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  • #4
versine said:
Why would the charge even oscillate in the antenna as opposed to building up in the antenna?
A λ/2 dipole can be modeled as a resonator, a transmission line with reflection from the open circuit at both ends.
As the dipole is driven with energy through the feedline, the amplitude of the wave on the dipole increases, until the rate of radiation from the dipole to space is equal to the rate energy is being delivered through the feedline.
 
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1. Why does charge oscillate in an electric dipole antenna?

Charge oscillates in an electric dipole antenna because of the alternating current (AC) that is applied to it. This creates an electric field that causes the charges in the antenna to move back and forth, resulting in an oscillating charge.

2. How does an electric dipole antenna work?

An electric dipole antenna works by converting electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation. The alternating current in the antenna creates an oscillating charge, which in turn creates an oscillating electric field. This electric field then radiates outwards as electromagnetic waves.

3. What is the role of the dipole length in an electric dipole antenna?

The length of the dipole in an electric dipole antenna is important because it determines the frequency of the electromagnetic waves that are emitted. A longer dipole will emit lower frequency waves, while a shorter dipole will emit higher frequency waves.

4. How does the orientation of an electric dipole antenna affect its performance?

The orientation of an electric dipole antenna affects its performance by determining the direction in which the electromagnetic waves are emitted. For maximum efficiency, the antenna should be oriented perpendicular to the direction of the waves it is receiving or transmitting.

5. Can an electric dipole antenna be used for both transmitting and receiving signals?

Yes, an electric dipole antenna can be used for both transmitting and receiving signals. When an alternating current is applied to the antenna, it will emit electromagnetic waves. Conversely, when electromagnetic waves of the appropriate frequency are received by the antenna, they will induce an alternating current in the antenna, which can then be used to detect the signal.

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