Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS) Module 10 Practice Test

The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer that has the least effect on radio wave propagation due to its relative stability and uniformity. This layer extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface and is characterized by a temperature inversion where temperature increases with altitude. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation but has minimal impact on the transmission of radio waves.

In contrast, other layers such as the troposphere can affect radio wave propagation significantly due to its dynamic weather systems, changes in temperature, humidity, and other factors that create variations in the refractive index. The mesosphere and exosphere, while having effects on radio waves, do not operate under conditions as stable as those found in the stratosphere. Thus, the combination of stability and decreased atmospheric activity in the stratosphere contributes to its minimal effect on radio communications compared to the other atmospheric layers.