Which statement best explains why VHF range is not unlimited?

• A. Antenna height dictates line-of-sight range
• B. Weather conditions determine range
• C. Battery life determines range
• D. Channel interference determines range

Answer: (A)

VHF range is not unlimited because these signals travel by line-of-sight. The curved surface of the Earth blocks signals once the transmitting and receiving antennas are below each other’s line of sight, so the distance you can reach depends on how high the antennas are above the water. The higher the antennas, the farther their horizons overlap and the greater the practical range. Weather, battery life, or channel interference can affect how well you hear or whether you can transmit at all, but they don’t set the fundamental maximum distance—the line-of-sight geometry does.