Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E9G
E9G10E9G

What do the arcs on a Smith chart represent?

Deep Dive: E9G10

The correct answer is D: Points with constant reactance. The arcs on a Smith chart represent points with constant reactance. Each arc shows all impedances that have the same reactance value (but different resistance values). The Smith chart has two families of curves: resistance circles and reactance arcs. The arcs are curved lines representing constant reactance. Inductive reactance arcs are in the upper half of the chart (+j values), and capacitive reactance arcs are in the lower half (-j values). All points on a given reactance arc have the same reactance but different resistance values. For example, the +j50-ohm reactance arc contains all impedances with +j50 ohms reactance (like 25+j50, 50+j50, 100+j50, etc.).

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Arcs don't represent frequency. Frequency isn't directly shown on a Smith chart - the chart shows impedance at a given frequency. Option B: Incorrect. Arcs don't directly represent SWR. SWR is shown by constant-SWR circles, not by the reactance arcs themselves. Option C: Incorrect. Points with constant resistance are represented by resistance circles, not arcs. Arcs represent constant reactance.

Exam Tip

Smith chart arcs = Constant reactance. Remember: The arcs on a Smith chart represent points with constant reactance - inductive arcs in the upper half, capacitive arcs in the lower half.

Memory Aid

**S**mith **C**hart **A**rcs = **C**onstant **R**eactance (think 'SCA = CR')

Real-World Example

You look at a Smith chart. You see curved arcs - these are reactance arcs. The +j50-ohm arc (in the upper half) contains all impedances with +j50 ohms reactance: 25+j50, 50+j50, 100+j50, etc. The -j50-ohm arc (in the lower half) contains all impedances with -j50 ohms reactance. Each arc represents constant reactance.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E9G

Reference: FCC Part 97.3

Key Concepts

Smith chart Reactance arcs Constant reactance Arcs

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9G topic.