What are the two types of linear polarization?

What are the two types of linear polarization?

• A. Vertical and Horizontal
• B. Circular and Elliptical
• C. Diagonal and Anti-diagonal
• D. Radial and Tangential

Answer: (A)

Linear polarization means the electric field oscillates in a single plane as the wave travels. The two common linear orientations are vertical and horizontal, where the field points entirely in a vertical plane or entirely in a horizontal plane. These two are orthogonal, which is why they’re the standard pair used to describe linear polarization in practice—antennas aligned with one orientation respond to that polarization, while misalignment reduces the received signal. Circular and elliptical polarization involve the field rotating or tracing an ellipse over time, so they’re not linear. Diagonal and anti-diagonal describe linear polarization at 45° and 135° to the horizontal and are valid linear states, but the typical two main linear categories referenced are vertical and horizontal. Radial and tangential relate to polarization patterns around an aperture rather than to linear polarization states.

Linear polarization means the electric field oscillates in a single plane as the wave travels. The two common linear orientations are vertical and horizontal, where the field points entirely in a vertical plane or entirely in a horizontal plane. These two are orthogonal, which is why they’re the standard pair used to describe linear polarization in practice—antennas aligned with one orientation respond to that polarization, while misalignment reduces the received signal.

Circular and elliptical polarization involve the field rotating or tracing an ellipse over time, so they’re not linear. Diagonal and anti-diagonal describe linear polarization at 45° and 135° to the horizontal and are valid linear states, but the typical two main linear categories referenced are vertical and horizontal. Radial and tangential relate to polarization patterns around an aperture rather than to linear polarization states.