Question:
The maximum frequency for reflection of sky waves from a certain layer of the ionosphere is found to be f max = 9(Nmax) 1/2, where Nmax is the maximum
electron density at that layer of the ionosphere. On a certain day, it is observed that signals of frequencies higher than 5MHz are not received by reflection
from the F1 layer of the ionosphere while signals of frequencies higher than 8MHz are not received by reflection from the F2 layer of the ionosphere. Estimate
the maximum electron densities of the F1 and F2 layers on that day.
Solution:
Maximum frequency = fmax = 9(Nmax)1/2
fmax = 5 MHz
Nmax = 3.086 ×1011 m3
fmax = 8 MHz
Nmax = 7.9 × 1011/m3