What are 'reflection losses' in radio wave propagation?

Reflection losses refer to the energy loss that occurs when radio waves encounter various surfaces and bounce off them. When a radio wave hits a surface, such as a building, the ground, or other objects, only a fraction of the wave's energy is reflected back while the rest can be absorbed or scattered. This loss of energy is inherent in the process of reflection, leading to a decrease in the strength of the signal that continues propagating.

This concept is particularly important in radio communication, as it affects overall signal quality and coverage. When waves reflect off surfaces, they may undergo changes that lead to decreased signal levels at the receiver, which can impact communication reliability. Understanding reflection losses is crucial for designing effective wireless communication systems and optimizing antenna placement to minimize these losses.

Other options suggest gains or enhancements in signal strength, which are not accurate in the context of reflection losses. The nature of reflection itself inherently involves a decrease in signal power due to the energy being dispersed or absorbed by the reflecting surface, rather than contributing positively to the overall signal strength.