MRW wrote:
I am skimming thru the Propagation chapter of the ARRL handbook, and I
am having a difficult time understanding the shortening of wavelength
and the retainment of frequency. They have an equation showing that
wave velocity is: c = f*w (c = m/s, f = frequency, w = wavelength).
It also states that during refraction "the wavelength is
simultaneously shortened, but the wave frequency (number of crests
that pass a certain point in a given unit of time) remains constant."

I don't understand. If the wavelength is shortened, then shouldn't the
frequency increase instead of remaining constant?

'c' decreases because of the fractional velocity
factor in a transmission line. The decrease in 'c'
compresses the wavelength but doesn't change the
frequency. 'c' is less in a transmission line than
it is in free space. The speed of light in RG-213,
for instance, is 2/3 of the speed of light in free
space.
--
73, Cecil, w5dxp.com