Deep Dive: E5D05
The correct answer is C: Inductance. What parasitic characteristic causes electrolytic capacitors to be unsuitable for use at RF is inductance. Electrolytic capacitors have significant lead inductance, making them unsuitable for RF. For amateur radio operators, this is important for component selection. Understanding this helps when choosing capacitors for RF circuits.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (Skin effect): Incorrect. Skin effect isn't the parasitic characteristic - inductance is. Skin effect isn't the cause. Option B (Shunt capacitance): Incorrect. Shunt capacitance isn't the parasitic characteristic - inductance is. Shunt capacitance isn't the cause. Option D (Dielectric leakage): Incorrect. Dielectric leakage isn't the parasitic characteristic - inductance is. Dielectric leakage isn't the cause.
Exam Tip
Electrolytic capacitor unsuitable at RF = inductance parasitic characteristic. Think 'E'lectrolytic 'C'apacitor = 'E'xcessive 'C'onductor inductance. Electrolytic capacitors have significant lead inductance, making them unsuitable for RF. Not skin effect, not shunt capacitance, not dielectric leakage - just inductance.
Memory Aid
Electrolytic capacitor unsuitable at RF = inductance parasitic characteristic. Think 'E'lectrolytic 'C'apacitor = 'I'nductance. Electrolytic capacitors have significant lead inductance, making them unsuitable for RF. Important for component selection.
Real-World Example
Electrolytic capacitors: They're unsuitable for use at RF because of inductance. The long leads and construction of electrolytic capacitors create significant inductance, which becomes problematic at RF frequencies. This is the parasitic characteristic - inductance.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E5D
Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E5 - Electrical Principles
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E5D topic.