Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G2A
G2A07G2A

Which of the following statements is true of single sideband (SSB)?

Deep Dive: G2A07

The correct answer is B: Only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed. A true statement about single sideband (SSB) is that only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed. SSB removes both the carrier and one sideband, transmitting only the remaining sideband with the audio information. For amateur radio operators, this is what makes SSB efficient - no carrier power is wasted, and bandwidth is halved. Understanding this helps explain SSB's efficiency.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. SSB doesn't transmit the carrier - the carrier is suppressed along with one sideband. Only one sideband is transmitted. Option C: Incorrect. SSB isn't the only voice mode on 20m, 15m, and 10m - AM is also allowed, though rarely used. SSB is most common but not exclusive. Option D: Incorrect. SSB isn't the only voice mode on 160m, 75m, and 40m - AM is also allowed. SSB is most common but not exclusive.

Exam Tip

SSB = one sideband transmitted, carrier and other sideband suppressed. Think 'S'ingle 'S'ideband = 'S'uppresses carrier and 'S'uppresses one sideband. Only one sideband with audio information is transmitted. Not about being the only authorized mode.

Memory Aid

SSB = one sideband transmitted, carrier and other sideband suppressed. Think 'S'ingle 'S'ideband = 'S'uppresses carrier and 'S'uppresses one sideband. Only one sideband with audio is transmitted. This is SSB's key characteristic.

Real-World Example

Your SSB transmitter generates an AM signal, then suppresses the carrier and one sideband (lower sideband for USB, upper sideband for LSB). Only the remaining sideband is transmitted, containing all the audio information. This is what makes SSB efficient - no carrier power wasted, and only half the bandwidth of AM.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G2A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G2 - Operating Procedures

Key Concepts

Single sideband SSB characteristics Carrier suppression Sideband suppression

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G2A topic.