Deep Dive: E5D10
The correct answer is D: It increases. As a conductor's diameter increases, what is the effect on its electrical length is that it increases. Larger diameter conductors have longer electrical length due to reduced velocity factor. For amateur radio operators, this is important for antenna design. Understanding this helps when designing antennas.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Thickness has no effect isn't correct - larger diameter increases electrical length. No effect is wrong. Option B: Incorrect. It varies randomly isn't correct - larger diameter increases electrical length. Random variation is wrong. Option C: Incorrect. It decreases isn't correct - larger diameter increases electrical length. Decrease is wrong.
Exam Tip
Conductor diameter increase = electrical length increases. Think 'D'iameter 'I'ncrease = 'D'ifferent 'I'nductance (longer electrical length). Larger diameter conductors have longer electrical length due to reduced velocity factor. Not no effect, not random, not decrease - just increases.
Memory Aid
Conductor diameter increase = electrical length increases. Think 'D'iameter 'I'ncrease = 'I'ncreased electrical length. Larger diameter conductors have longer electrical length due to reduced velocity factor. Important for antenna design.
Real-World Example
As a conductor's diameter increases: The effect on its electrical length is that it increases. Larger diameter conductors have reduced velocity factor, making them electrically longer for the same physical length. This is the effect - electrical length increases.
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.