Deep Dive: G5B13
The correct answer is B: 1060 watts. The output PEP of an unmodulated carrier if the average power is 1060 watts is 1060 watts. An unmodulated carrier has constant power, so PEP equals average power (ratio is 1:1). For amateur radio operators, this is a fundamental relationship. Understanding this helps when calculating power for unmodulated carriers.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (530 watts): Incorrect. 530 watts is half the average - unmodulated carrier has PEP = average, not half. Calculation error. Option C (1500 watts): Incorrect. 1500 watts is too high - unmodulated carrier has PEP = average (1060W), not 1500W. Calculation error. Option D (2120 watts): Incorrect. 2120 watts is 2× average - unmodulated carrier has PEP = average, not 2×. Calculation error.
Exam Tip
Unmodulated carrier PEP = average power = 1060W. Think 'U'nmodulated 'C'arrier = 'U'niform 'C'onstant = 'P'EP = average. Unmodulated carrier has constant power, so PEP equals average power. Not 530W, not 1500W, not 2120W - just 1060W.
Memory Aid
Unmodulated carrier PEP = average power = 1060W. Think 'U'nmodulated 'C'arrier = 'U'niform 'C'onstant. Unmodulated carrier has constant power, so PEP equals average power. Ratio is 1:1.
Real-World Example
An unmodulated carrier has average power of 1060 watts. Since it's unmodulated (constant power), PEP also equals 1060 watts. The ratio is 1:1 - PEP equals average power for unmodulated carriers. This is different from modulated signals where PEP is higher.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G5B
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G5 - Electrical Principles
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G5B topic.