Deep Dive: G7B09
The correct answer is C: The inductance and capacitance in the tank circuit. What determines the frequency of an LC oscillator is the inductance and capacitance in the tank circuit. The resonant frequency is f = 1/(2π√LC). For amateur radio operators, this is fundamental oscillator theory. Understanding this helps when designing oscillators.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Counter stages don't determine LC oscillator frequency - counters are for digital circuits, not LC oscillators. Counter stages aren't relevant. Option B: Incorrect. Divider stages don't determine LC oscillator frequency - dividers reduce frequency, not determine it. Divider stages aren't relevant. Option D: Incorrect. Time delay of lag circuit doesn't determine LC oscillator frequency - LC oscillators use tank circuits, not lag circuits. Lag circuits aren't relevant.
Exam Tip
LC oscillator frequency = inductance and capacitance in tank circuit. Think 'L'C 'O'scillator = 'L' and 'C' determine frequency. Resonant frequency f = 1/(2π√LC) depends on L and C values. Not counter stages, not divider stages, not lag circuit - just L and C.
Memory Aid
LC oscillator frequency = inductance and capacitance in tank circuit. Think 'L'C 'O'scillator = 'L' and 'C' determine frequency. Resonant frequency f = 1/(2π√LC) depends on L and C. Fundamental oscillator theory.
Real-World Example
An LC oscillator: The tank circuit has 10 µH inductance and 100 pF capacitance. Frequency = 1/(2π√(10×10⁻⁶ × 100×10⁻¹²)) = 5.03 MHz. The inductance and capacitance in the tank circuit determine the oscillator frequency. This is fundamental LC oscillator theory.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G7B
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G7 - Practical Circuits
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G7B topic.