Deep Dive: G7B10
The correct answer is B: An amplifier in which the output preserves the input waveform. What describes a linear amplifier is an amplifier in which the output preserves the input waveform. Linear amplifiers reproduce the input signal without distortion, maintaining the waveform shape. For amateur radio operators, this is essential for SSB and AM. Understanding this helps when selecting amplifiers.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Linear amplifier isn't any RF power amplifier used with a transceiver - Class C amplifiers are RF power amplifiers but aren't linear. Not all RF amplifiers are linear. Option C: Incorrect. Linear amplifier isn't a Class C high efficiency amplifier - Class C is non-linear and only for constant-envelope signals. Class C isn't linear. Option D: Incorrect. Linear amplifier isn't an amplifier used as a frequency multiplier - multipliers are non-linear. Multipliers aren't linear amplifiers.
Exam Tip
Linear amplifier = output preserves input waveform. Think 'L'inear = 'L'ooks like input (preserves waveform). Linear amplifiers reproduce input signal without distortion, maintaining waveform shape. Not any RF amplifier, not Class C, not multiplier - just preserves waveform.
Memory Aid
Linear amplifier = output preserves input waveform. Think 'L'inear = 'L'ooks like input. Linear amplifiers reproduce input signal without distortion, maintaining waveform shape. Essential for SSB and AM.
Real-World Example
A linear amplifier for SSB: The input SSB signal has a specific waveform. The linear amplifier amplifies it while preserving the exact waveform shape - no distortion. This is essential for SSB and AM, where the waveform contains the information. Class C amplifiers can't do this - they're non-linear.
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.