Art Unwin wrote:
"Could you give a similar description only this time make it a 5/8
wavelength antenna."

My previous resume` regarded current distribution on a 1/2-wave
standing-wave antenna.

A 1/2-wave antenna is resonant, that is it has no reactance, and it is
open-circuited at both ends. Its feed point is in its center, at its
high-current point, and it is a pure resistance.

The 5/8 wavelength antenna consists of a 1/2 wavelength section of
radiation resistance but no reactance plus a 1/8 wavelength section of
small radiation resistance and a large capacitive reactance. To receive
maximum energy, the capacitive reactance must be compensated. A unity
power factor is desirable.

As with the 1/2-wave antenna, current distribution in the 5/8-wave
antenna is controlled by its open-circuited ends. On page 187 of the 3rd
edition of Kraus` "Antennas" he says:
"A sinusoidal current distribution may be regarded as the standing wave
produced by two uniform (unattenuated) traveling waves of equal
amplitude moving in opposite directions along the antenna."

We know there`s radiation and loss as the current travels to and fro
between the open-circuited ends of the antenna, but if unattenuated is
good nough for most purposes for Kraus, it is good enough for me.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI