Hello Richard. Your honest request kind of of set me back a few steps.
The basic laws of physics don't know the difference between Amateur
Radio and CB. So the principles needed to get your license, apply here.
I'm looking at your question more as "How did the radio community fail
in not providing you the knowledge needed to answer the questions of
basic radio theory" That is what was supposed to happen when you
achieved your licensing.
Elmering in the Ham Bands along with here on the CB bands has fallen
into a catagory of a "lost art". I get many questions presented to me
on the basics, which I initially thought should be part of a basic
skill set to get on the air. What I have observed is that we as a
culture have turned to a plug and play society in which the theories
used are not needed to make things work.
So not to soapbox this question, I'd turn back to your ARRL handbook
and start Google'ing for answers. There are an infinate amount of
experts out here on the web that are willing to answer specifics. Glean
those answers and do a web search on the specific subject to gain a
broader perspective and knowledge.
BTW, as with many on here, I'm a ham also and a hold a General
Radiotelphone license.
Best of luck on your quest.

73 de Dungeon Master