Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E9F
E9F08E9F

Which of the following is a significant difference between foam dielectric coaxial cable and solid dielectric coaxial cable, assuming all other parameters are the same?

Deep Dive: E9F08

The correct answer is B: Foam dielectric coaxial cable has lower loss per unit of length. A significant difference between foam dielectric and solid dielectric coaxial cable (assuming all other parameters are the same) is that foam dielectric has lower loss per unit of length. The air in the foam reduces dielectric losses. Foam dielectric coax has air bubbles in the dielectric material, which reduces the effective dielectric constant and dielectric losses. Solid dielectric has more material, so more dielectric loss. Foam dielectric typically has 20-30% lower loss than equivalent solid dielectric coax. This lower loss is why foam dielectric coax is popular for long feed lines or high-power applications. The trade-off is that foam dielectric might have slightly lower maximum voltage rating, but the lower loss is usually more important.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. While foam dielectric might have slightly lower voltage rating, the significant difference is lower loss, not voltage rating. Loss is the more important difference. Option C: Incorrect. Foam dielectric doesn't have higher velocity factor as a significant difference. Both have similar velocity factors, with foam slightly higher, but loss is the more significant difference. Option D: Incorrect. Foam dielectric doesn't have higher SWR. SWR depends on impedance matching, not the dielectric type.

Exam Tip

Foam vs solid dielectric = Lower loss. Remember: Foam dielectric coaxial cable has lower loss per unit of length than solid dielectric because the air in the foam reduces dielectric losses.

Memory Aid

**F**oam **D**ielectric = **L**ower **L**oss (think 'FD = LL')

Real-World Example

You compare two 100-foot runs of 50-ohm coax - one with foam dielectric, one with solid dielectric. The foam dielectric cable has about 0.7 dB loss, while the solid dielectric has about 1.0 dB loss. The air in the foam reduces dielectric losses, making it more efficient. This lower loss is especially valuable for long feed lines.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E9F

Reference: FCC Part 97.3

Key Concepts

Foam dielectric Solid dielectric Coaxial cable Loss

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9F topic.