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